- In the first eight months of 2019, deforestation in the Amazon rainforest reached 7,814 square kilometers (3,013 square miles), the highest level in a decade.
- This is an increase of 278% compared to the same period in 2018.
- The states with the highest rates of deforestation were Mato Grosso, Pará, and Amazonas.
Fire Data
- In the first eight months of 2019, there were 80,418 fires in the Amazon rainforest, the highest level since records began in 2013.
- This is an increase of 77% compared to the same period in 2018.
- The states with the highest number of fires were Mato Grosso, Pará, and Amazonas.
The combination of deforestation and fires in the Amazon rainforest is a major environmental concern. Deforestation contributes to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and fires can further damage the rainforest ecosystem and its ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
Conclusion
The data on deforestation and fires in the Amazon rainforest clearly shows that 2019 is not a normal year. The levels of both deforestation and fires are the highest in a decade, and they are continuing to increase. This is a major threat to the rainforest and to the global climate.