Fires surge in the Amazon, but deforestation continues to fall

by Mongabay.com on 17 March 2024

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has continued on a downward trajectory despite a sharp increase in fires associated with the severe drought in the region.

According to data published by Brazil’s National Space Research Institute (INPE) earlier this month, forest loss in the Brazilian Amazon amounted to 5,010 square kilometers over the past twelve months, the lowest level recorded since May 2019.

Despite the declining rate of forest loss, fires in the Amazon are on the rise, driven by the severe drought gripping the region.

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has fallen precipitously since Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva replaced Jair Bolsonaro as president last year.

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has continued on a downward trajectory despite a sharp increase in fires associated with the severe drought in the region, reveals data released by Brazil’s National Space Research Institute (INPE).

According to figures published by INPE earlier this month, forest loss in the Brazilian Amazon amounted to 5,010 square kilometers over the past twelve months, the lowest level recorded since May 2019. Between then and now, the twelve-month moving average peaked at 10,278 square kilometers in December 2022. The trend reported by INPE mirrors that of Imazon, an independent Brazilian NGO.

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