The amazon rainforest is suffering from the highest level of deforestation recorded. This is due to a combination of logging and forest fires.
Many of the fires are deliberately started – to cover up logging and then allow for cattle ranching.
Replacement of rainforest by cattle ranches releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and as well as preventing its re-absorption back into the forest. The scale of destruction of the Amazon has a significant impact on the wildlife, destroying habitats and endangering species.
In June 2020 2,248 fires were identified in the Brazilian rainforests – this is the highest number in June for a decade and indicates that 2020 is on target to have over 18% more fires than 2019.
2,000 fires is a startling number – with each one being a large and significant fire. However, to put this devastation in perspective, in August 2019 there were over 30,000 fires. This is 200% more than in 2018.
As 2020 is currently on target to be 18% worse than 2019 August could see over 35,000 fires in the Amazon.
The image below shows satellite images highlighting the scale of fires
