The number of fires in Brazil has doubled, and the government has increased funding for fire prevention projects

Recently, according to data released by the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research on September 2, from January 1 to September 1 this year, the number of recorded fires in Brazil has reached as high as 131,000, almost twice that of the same period last year. Among them, Mato Grosso State, Pará State, Amazonas State and Mato Grosso do Sul State are the main areas where fires occur. Climate change and the continuation of droughts in regions such as the Pant*** Wetland and the Amazon have exacerbated the increase in the number of fires.

Facing the severe fire situation, the Brazilian federal government has taken active actions. On the one hand, a crisis response agency has been established to coordinate fire extinguishing operations; on the other hand, it has significantly increased financial support for a series of fire prevention projects of two major institutions. The budget for the fire control and prevention project of the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources in 2024 has increased from the previously approved 62.5 million reais to the current 111.3 million reais; the budget amount of the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation in Brazil for environmental inspection, prevention and extinguishing forest fires in 2024 has also increased from 109 million reais to 156.2 million reais. In addition, the Brazilian government's appropriation to the Ministry of Environment will also increase from 3.9 billion reais this year to 4.13 billion reais next year.

The doubling of the number of fires in Brazil has posed a huge threat to the ecological environment, biodiversity and the lives of local residents. The government's increase in funding for fire prevention projects shows its determination to deal with fire challenges and protect natural resources and the ecological environment. It also provides stronger financial support for subsequent fire prevention work. The effectiveness of relevant measures is worthy of continuous attention.