Amazon rainforest suffers worst forest fire season in 20 years, study reveals

Amazon rainforest has just experienced its most devastating forest fire season in over two decades, with far-reaching consequences for the environment.

According to a new study, the 2024 fires released an estimated 791 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, equivalent to Germany’s annual emissions.

The study highlights the growing ecological fragility of the region, driven by climate change, forest fragmentation, and land-use mismanagement.

In the statement signed by
Media and Engagement Manager, European Geosciences Union (EGU),
Dr. Asmae Ourkiya the research, which used advanced satellite-based methodology, found that 3.3 million hectares of Amazon forest were impacted by fires last year alone.

The surge in fire activity has led to significant forest degradation, with fire-induced degradation overtaking deforestation as the primary driver of carbon emissions in the Amazon.

The study’s findings have alarming implications for the region’s biodiversity and carbon sequestration capabilities. With forest degradation often falling through the cracks of national accounting systems and international policy frameworks, the researchers call for immediate and coordinated action to reduce fire use, strengthen forest protection policies, and support local and Indigenous stewardship efforts.

The Amazon’s ecological integrity is under threat, and urgent action is needed to mitigate the damage.

The study’s results serve as a wake-up call for governments, policymakers, and individuals to prioritize forest conservation and address the root causes of forest degradation.