Brazil has declared a nationwide environmental emergency in anticipation of the 2025 fire season, following record wildfires in 2024 that devastated vast areas. New measures include hiring additional firefighters and providing funding to enhance state brigades. While deforestation has decreased, concerns over future fires persist due to ongoing drought conditions.
Brazil has declared an environmental emergency nationwide to prevent another catastrophic fire season in 2025. This declaration follows unprecedented wildfires in 2024, which devastated millions of hectares of flora in the Amazon Rainforest and other biodiverse areas. The initiative was announced by Environment Minister Marina Silva on February 27, aiming to grant additional resources and powers to authorities to manage the threat of wildfires effectively.
The federal government plans to recruit 250 additional federal firefighters and allocate 45 million reais (approximately $8 million) to six of the eight Amazonian states to reinforce state fire brigades. This environmental emergency will be in effect until either August 2025 or April 2026, based on regional needs. João Paulo Capobianco, the executive secretary at the environment ministry, emphasized the coordinated efforts to mitigate disaster risks before they escalate.
Ane Alencar, science director at the Amazon Environmental Research Institute, stated that this proactive approach establishes the foundation for early preventive measures and calls for state governments to enhance their local brigades ahead of the dry season. Despite a significant increase in fire incidents in 2024, the rate of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon decreased by 30% between 2023 and 2024, achieving a six-year low.
2025 is expected to experience less severe drought conditions compared to the previous two years, as El Niño, associated with increased dryness, is no longer a factor. However, concerns remain, as studies indicate that previously burned regions of the rainforest are more vulnerable to future fires. Rodrigo Agostinho, president of the national environment agency IBAMA, acknowledged that substantial areas still face drought conditions, highlighting the ongoing challenges ahead.
In summary, Brazil’s declaration of a state of environmental emergency reflects a proactive approach to mitigating the risk of wildfires in the upcoming 2025 season. The government’s investment in additional firefighting resources and the emphasis on preparation for the dry season signify an important step forward. Notably, while there was a decline in deforestation rates, the threat of future wildfires remains a critical concern, underscoring the importance of sustained efforts from both federal and state authorities.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
