BRAZIL -- Have you heard of the fire in the Amazon? It has reached a global level and has drawn international outrage. It's a problem not only to the government of Brazil, but to governments around the world. Not everyone may see this at the moment, but this rainforest in the Amazon is saving the world from the disaster that is called 'global warming'.
The Brazilian President, Jair Bolsonaro, is currently in the spotlight as the world wishes the fires would stop. He has recently dispatched the country's military forces to help in fighting the fire. But what is it about this huge, disastrous fire in the Amazon that makes it a global concern? Here are some facts about it everyone must be aware of:
More than 60% of the total land area of the Amazon belongs to Brazil. It is the world's largest rainforest that is home to various wildlife species endemic to the area. It comes with healthy biodiversity with several unique animals and plants. The jungle area absorbs a huge amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Scientists who are working on ways to help save the planet from climate change is pushing to put the fire out. The Amazon is not only rich with natural resources, but of wonder and beauty as well.
The fires in Brazil has had its highest hit to date. Its last skyhigh record was in 2013. But the recording this year is up by at least 84% of its conditions from last year. These facts are according to the report released by the Brazil Space research agency INPE. There has been a recording of 78,383 fires in this year alone, but roughly half of that number happened in August of this year.
Eight of the Amazon states have seen a significant increase in the number of fires. In fact, in Rondonia and the Amazonas - two of the largest states in the region - the residents said that while they have been used to the fires every year, they have never seen it as bad as the recent one. The cloud of smoke has been blanketing the whole region.
What sets the fire in the Amazon, then? These parts of the forest are usually set on fire on purpose to help clear the land. After the loggers have collected their wood, the spectators would burn the vegetation to clear the land in hopes of being able to sell it to ranchers and farmers.
The burning of the Amazon is a disaster that the world should be doing something about. After all, it is a crisis that affects everyone.
