Brazil, the largest country in South America, is currently experiencing its most severe drought since nationwide measurements began over seven decades ago. This unprecedented environmental crisis is affecting approximately 59% of the nation's territory, an area roughly equivalent to half the size of the United States.
The drought's impact is particularly evident in the Amazon basin, where major rivers are registering historic low levels. This situation is especially concerning given that Brazil houses about 60% of the Amazon rainforest and possesses 12% of the world's freshwater resources. The drought's severity is underscored by the fact that it spans from the country's north to its southeast, a phenomenon never before recorded.
Compounding the drought's effects, uncontrolled wildfires have ravaged protected areas and spread smoke over vast expanses, significantly degrading air quality. On a recent Monday, São Paulo, a metropolitan area of 21 million people, experienced the second most polluted air globally, surpassed only by Lahore, Pakistan, according to data from IQAir, a Swiss air technology company.
The Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, one of Brazil's premier tourism destinations, is currently battling a sweeping wildfire. This protected area is part of the Cerrado, the world's most biodiverse savanna, highlighting the ecological significance of the affected regions. Park head Nayara Stacheski noted the unusually early onset of the dry season and its extreme conditions, exacerbating the wildfire situation.
"This year, the dry season started much earlier than in previous years, whereas the rain season was intense yet short. The wind is strong, the air humidity is very low and it's extremely hot. All this worsens the wildfire."
From January to September 8, 2023, Brazil recorded almost 160,000 fires, marking the worst year since 2010. The Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland, is experiencing its second-worst fire season on record. These fires, predominantly human-caused, are often linked to deforestation processes or clearing land for agriculture and pastures. The total area burned in Brazil this year equals the size of Italy.
The drought's impact extends to river systems, with the Amazon and Madeira rivers registering new daily record lows. This has stranded numerous communities that rely on water transport, including indigenous groups like the Tikuna tribe. Myrian Tikuna, a local leader, reported shortages of potable water, increased illnesses among children, and dwindling food supplies due to crop failures and transportation difficulties.
Brazil's environmental crisis underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts and climate change mitigation. With 69 national parks and hundreds of conservation units, the country harbors over 40,000 plant species, many endemic to the region. The ongoing situation threatens not only Brazil's rich biodiversity but also its position as the world's largest exporter of coffee, soybeans, and orange juice.
As Brazil grapples with these challenges, the global community watches closely, recognizing that the fate of the Amazon and other crucial ecosystems has far-reaching implications for global climate patterns and biodiversity conservation.