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Amazon blaze seen in space

Brazil’s Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest, is currently on fire amid deforestations, and the blaze can be seen in space.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) released satellite images last week that showed patchwork of fires and smoke in the country—which are higher than in some Brazilian states.

According to a report from the British Broadcasting Corp. (BBC), a data by Brazil’s science research unit National Institute for Space Research (Inpe) showed that the fires have increased by 84% compared to 2018—with almost a record-breaking number of 72,000 fire incidents detected since the start of 2019.

While it is difficult to determine when and how the fires started, Inpe reported that there have been around 9,500 fires in the region since August 15.

The Amazon wildfire has also caused a blackout in São Paulo last August 19, and has affected other cities and states. In Amazonas and Rondonia, there was a daytime blackout and strong winds brought by smoke, while Roraima is reportedly covered in dark smoke. Amazonas has also declared a state of emergency, according to a report by BBC.

While wildfires normally occur in the Amazon during the dry season, Inpe noted that the record of fires this year is not in line with those normally reported.

Brazil’s president Jair Bolsonaro is currently under fire for the Amazon incident, with people saying it was the result of his alleged environmental policies that favored development over conservation—including an increased deforestation.

Bolsonaro said that the fire is just a result of the “season of the quiemada,” wherein farmers use fire to clear land. “I used to be called Captain Chainsaw. Now I am Nero, setting the Amazon aflame,” he was quoted by Reuters news agency as saying.

Considered as the earth’s lungs amid global warming, the Amazon rainforest is home to about 3 million species of plants and animals. It produces 20 percent of the earth’s oxygen, and takes huge amounts of carbon dioxide emitted by human activity and fossil fuel burns.

Staff Report

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