Amazon Fires Explained: Key Facts, Causes, Politics, and How You Can Help
The Amazon rainforest is vital for global climate stability and biodiversity, and a top travel destination—as shown by the popularity of our featured trips. Recent news of raging fires has sparked concern. Here's what our research reveals.
What’s Happening?
The Amazon is experiencing a surge in fires this year. Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE) reports an 85% increase over the same period last year. Bolivia faces record fires that doubled in size between Thursday and Sunday. The most affected areas are Brazil’s Rondônia region and Bolivia’s Chiquitano forest.
Why Is It Happening?
Fires are not natural in the Amazon; they are set by farmers to clear land for agriculture. Authorities confirm most fires originate from these practices, which are sometimes legal but often illegal due to lax enforcement.
Crucially, most fires burn on previously cleared land, not old-growth forest, stemming from prior deforestation rather than initiating new losses.
Are They Caused by Climate Change?
Not directly. However, climate change worsens fire damage by drying the region, heightening vulnerability to ignition and spread. This creates a cycle: deforestation dries the area, fires reduce cover further. INPE estimates Brazil loses rainforest equivalent to more than 1.5 soccer fields every minute, according to CNN.
What’s the Political Context?
Complex and country-specific. In Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro campaigned to develop the Amazon, cutting environmental budgets and relaxing logging/mining rules since 2019. Forest loss has risen nearly 40% year-over-year.
Bolsonaro initially downplayed fires but, after G7 criticism from leaders like Macron and Merkel, deployed 43,000 troops. G7 offered $20 million in aid, which Bolsonaro rejected as a “colonial mentality” until Macron apologizes.
In Bolivia, President Evo Morales redistributed 77,000 acres to farmers in 2006. About 87% of fires stem from land-clearing. Amid reelection, he suspended campaigning and accepted international aid.
How Can You Help?
Donate to trusted organizations aiding firefighting and conservation:
- World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
- Greenpeace
- Amazon Watch
- Rainforest Trust
- Ecosia
Research charities for transparency. Alternatively, visit the Amazon: fires are distant from tourist areas, and tourism supports sustainable revenue.
How to Stay Informed
Follow reliable sources:
CNN’s ongoing coverage.
The New York Times’s coverage.
AP coverage.
On social media, follow experts like Bolivian native @waterthruskin. Caution: Verify images before sharing—some celebrities shared outdated photos of real past fires.
