ECOLOGICAL DRAMA

THE AMAZONIA LUNG OF THE PLANET IN FIRE

COME TO G7

Forest fires in Brazil , which has 60% of its surface, have increased by 83% since the beginning of 2019, compared to the previous year, especially in the Amazon due to deforestation and drought.

While it is not possible to assess the extent of the damage for the time being, we know that fires affect several regions such as the state of Rondonia, Amazonas, Roraima or the state. Mato Grosso.

An alarming rise in fires

Forest fires have increased significantly in 2019 in Brazil compared to the past two years.

Between January and August, 72,843 fire departures were recorded in the country, against 39,759 for the whole of 2018, according to figures from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) which observes in particular the evolution of the forest in Brazil.

The increase follows two consecutive years of decline and is the highest since 2013, according to the INPE, which uses real-time updated satellite data.

The fires were most numerous in the States occupied in whole or in part by the Amazon rainforest. The most affected state is Mato Grosso (center-west), with 13,682 fire starts, an increase of 87% compared to the whole of 2018. The rise was particularly alarming in the occupied states in total or partly by the Amazon rainforest, like that of Mato Grosso (in the center-west), with 13,682 fire starts , an increase of 87% compared to all The worrying situation of the Amazon has taken since yesterday a more political turn. Emmanuel Macron was alarmed on Twitter and asked that the subject be put on the table of the G7, which starts tomorrow. His Brazilian counterpart answered him curtly, seeing it as a sign of a "colonialist mentality out of date in the 21st century". the year 2018.

These fires are mainly caused by slash-and-burn clearings used to transform forest areas into crop and livestock areas or to clear already deforested areas. A forbidden practice however at this time of the year and despite everything very used.

Monday the people of Sao Paulo were plunged into darkness in the middle of the day. In particular, the strong winds that attracted smoke to the megacity, located in the southeast of the country, thousands of kilometers.

The government of Bolsonaro strongly criticized

The worrisome situation of the Amazon has since yesterday taken a more political turn. Emmanuel Macron was alarmed on Twitter and asked that the subject be put on the table of the G7, which starts tomorrow. His Brazilian counterpart answered him curtly, seeing it as a sign of a "colonialist mentality out of date in the 21st century".

According to the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), deforestation in July was almost four times higher than last year in the same month. Since January 2019, 72,843 fire starts have been recorded in the country, against 39,759 throughout the year 2018 an increase of 83%.

Figures questioned by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, target of an avalanche of criticism of scientists. The latter insinuated Wednesday that NGOs could have caused these fires, to "draw attention" to the suspension by Brasilia of funding allocated to the preservation of the Amazon rainforest.

"It could be, yes, it could, but I do not affirm, criminal actions of these 'ONGéistes' to draw attention against me, against the Brazilian government. This is the war we are facing, "said the head of state. No source to support, however.

The president is also accused by scientists but also indigenous peoples living in the Amazon, to focus on economic growth to the detriment of people and ecology.

NGOs received, among other things, 40% of subsidies from abroad and partially suspended, notably by Germany and Norway, as well as public funding, also stopped, by the Bolsonaro climate-skeptical government.

Deforestation on the rise

According to the researcher of the Institute of Environmental Research on the Amazon (IPAM) Paulo Moutinho, the rise in the number of fires in the Brazilian Amazon is primarily caused by the increase in deforestation. Indeed, the latter questioned the argument of the government, which argues that this increase in the number of fires is due to drought, usual at this time of year.

"In 2019 we do not have a drought as severe as in previous years, but there is a substantial increase in fires. Everything indicates that the dry season is not at all the predominant factor. If there had been more drought, it would have been much worse, "he says. When asked, Brazilian Environment Minister Rocardo Salles explained that "the government has mobilized all the relief workers and all the planes (...) who are now at work with all the regional governments".

In South America, Brazil is the country most affected by forest fires in 2019, followed by Venezuela (26,453) and Bolivia (16,101).

Citizens are raising a cry of alarm.

The first to give the alert were the citizens. For a week, hashtags, Pray for Amazonia, Pray for the Amazon, are widely used on social networks. Today, a new slogan is given: Act for the Amazon

At the initiative of "Friday for Future", the environmental movement of Greta Thunberg, mobilizations in front of the embassies of Brazil are planned this Friday around the world.