Fires - Record forest fires in Brazil's Pantanal wetlands
The Pantanal, one of the largest inland wetland areas in the world, has experienced the highest number of forest fires in the first half of the year since records began. In the first six months, there were 3,538 fire outbreaks - in the year 2020, which is known as the year with the worst fire season in this biome, there were only 2,534 outbreaks in the same period, according to the Brazilian Space Research Institute (Inpe). This is a record value since 1999. Alone in June, there were 2,639 fires, with an average of 154 for this period.
This wetland area, which extends from Brazil to neighboring countries Bolivia and Paraguay, consists of a complex system of rivers and lakes and is a unique natural and tourist paradise. It is unusual for there to be so many forest fires in the region as early as June, as the fire season traditionally begins between late July and early August, the driest time of the winter. According to experts, this period has been advanced due to the prolonged drought in this biome. This scenario could be even more devastating than that of 2020.
Largest Drought Period in 70 Years
"The Pantanal is facing the largest drought period in 70 years, exacerbated by climate change and one of the strongest El Niños in history," the Environment Ministry announced on Sunday. According to the environmental agency Ibama, some areas of the Pantanal could suffer irreversible damage. "After disasters like this, nature returns in many areas. But at some places, the loss is significant. In some places, it could even be irreversible. We are very concerned that the Pantanal has not had a flooding season for the sixth year in a row," said Ibama President Rodrigo Agostinho to the news portal "G1".
Approximately 700,000 hectares of area have been burned down this year - that's almost five percent of the entire biome. An area almost three times the size of Saarland.
Brazilian Air Force in Action
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) used the largest aircraft ever produced in Latin America for firefighting in the Pantanal for the first time on Friday. In addition, the Navy, soldiers, and firefighters are fighting the flames.
The Pantanal is one of the richest areas in species on the planet and is home to rare animals such as jaguars, tapirs, or hyacinth macaws. Economically, cattle ranching is the main activity in the area. Farmers traditionally burn forest areas to create new pasture lands. If these fires get out of control, large-scale forest fires can result.
- Despite being a tourist paradise, with its unique system of rivers, lakes, and abundant wildlife in the Pantanal, the region has experienced an unprecedented number of forest fires in the first half of the year.
- The climate in the Pantanal, usually characterized by a flooding season in the later part of the year, has dramatically shifted due to a prolonged drought, leading to early and frequent forest fires.
- The high number of forest fires in the Pantanal this year, with nearly 5% of the biome having been burned down, is worrying environmental experts and authorities, especially considering it's one of the largest drought periods in 70 years.
- Efforts to combat the forest fires in the Pantanal are underway, with the Brazilian Air Force employing the largest aircraft in Latin America for firefighting purposes for the first time.
- As a result of the forest fires, vital habitats for rare animals such as jaguars, tapirs, and hyacinth macaws are at risk, and if left uncontrolled, large-scale forest fires could have devastating consequences for the environment and local economy.
- The impact of these forest fires extends beyond the Pantanal, as the region stretches from Brazil into Bolivia and Paraguay, and Brazilian cattle ranchers who use burning as a means to create new pasturelands could also face consequences.
- The persistent drought and unusual climate conditions, exacerbated by climate change and a strong El Niño, have contributed to the increasing frequency and severity of forest fires in the Pantanal, raising concerns for the region's long-term environmental health and stability.
