Under pressure from domestic and international sources, the Brazilian government sends 44,000 troops to help fight the fires raging in the Amazon.
Pressure, prayers and protests: Amazon fires push Brazil to the forefront of international conversationsAmid an international outcry and protests at home over the proliferation of fires in the Amazon rainforest, the Brazilian government has sent 44,000 troops to combat the environmentally damaging blazes.
A laborer gestures as he looks at a fire that spread to the farm he works on next to a highway in Nova Santa Helena municipality in northern Mato Grosso State, south in the Amazon basin in Brazil, on Aug. 23, 2019. Official figures show 78,383 forest fires have been recorded in Brazil this year, the highest number of any year since 2013. Experts say the clearing of land during the months-long dry season to make way for crops or grazing has aggravated the problem.
Setting fires is a quick and commonly used way to clear the trees, even though it’s illegal. According to INPE’s figures, there have been more than 74,000 fires in Brazil this year, an increase of 85% compared to the same period in 2018, and around 40,000 of them have taken place in the Amazon. August alone accounts for 25,000.
He also said in a news conference the fires were merely part of the farmers’ traditional habit of clearing brush at this time of year, a practice known as queimada.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Explainer: Why are the Amazon fires sparking a crisis for Brazil - and the world?A record number of fires ravaging the Amazon has drawn international outrage bec...
Read more »
As EU threatens trade retaliation, Brazil sends army to fight Amazon firesBolsonaro to send troops to Amazon amidst international pressure over wildfires. More here:
Read more »
Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro authorizes military to battle massive Amazon rainforest fireThe Amazon rainforest is vital in that it not only provides so much oxygen, but that the burning of the forest is also a roadblock in the battle against global warming.
Read more »
Brazil not working with U.S. on forest fires: defense ministerThe United States is not giving Brazil concrete support to combat forest fires d...
Read more »
As The Amazon Fires Spread, So Did This Unfounded StatisticMacron, DiCaprio, CNN all cite this dubious number.
Read more »
Trump talks Amazon fires with Brazilian president; army sent to fight blazesGet breaking national and world news, broadcast video coverage, and exclusive interviews. Find the top news online at ABC news.
Read more »