Brazil’s Wildfires Consume Area Larger Than Italy in 2024
A new report reveals that Brazil experienced a staggering loss of wilderness in 2024, with 30.86 million hectares burned—an area larger than Italy, The Guardian reported.
This figure marks a 79% increase from 2023 and is the largest recorded by Fire Monitor since its inception in 2019. The Amazon was the most affected biome, sustaining 58% of the total burned area, exacerbated by the worst drought on record, influenced by El Niño.
Ane Alencar, coordinator of MapBiomas, noted that forest areas were hit hardest, surpassing grasslands for the first time. The surge in wildfires is attributed to severe drought conditions and human activities, particularly in agriculture, where fire is often used to clear land.
Federal Police opened 119 investigations into suspected arson in 2024, indicating possible criminal activity linked to the fires. Alencar warned that without significant rainfall, 2025 could see similar devastation. She emphasized the need for comprehensive forest conservation efforts beyond merely combating deforestation.
