The Amazon rain forest experienced its most devastating fire season in more than two decades, according to a new study by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre. In 2024, wildfires burned 3.3 million hectares — an area larger than Belgium — and released an estimated 791 million tons of CO2 equivalent, comparable to Germany's annual greenhouse gas emissions.
The scale of destruction marks a seven-fold increase in GHG emissions compared to the average of the past two years and is nine times higher than the long-term average. Scientists attribute this surge to extreme drought, high temperatures, and unsustainable land management practices that amplify fire risk. The unprecedented intensity and frequency of wildfires reveal a growing vulnerability of the Amazon ecosystem and raise alarms about their global climate impact.
by Joji Xavier
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