The rainforest is burning at an alarming rate, NASA says.
The Amazon rainforest is burning at unprecedented speed.
Brazil had declared a state of emergency earlier this month over the rising number of fires in the region.
73000 fires have been reported this year in Brazil.
Reuters reports that this is an alarming 83% increase from last year and the highest ever since 2013..
Why did this fire start? The onset of the dry season in the Amazon has apparently started early this year.
Fire is habitually used to clear out the land for farming or ranching.
For that goal, a vast majority of the fires can be pinned on humans.
What localities are affected? States of Rondonia, Amazonas, Para and Mato Grosso appear to be the worst effected.
The Amazon Rainforest produces more than 20% of the world’s oxygen and 10% of the world’s known biodiversity.
The Amazon is commonly referred to as the “lungs of the planet” and plays a major role in regulating the climate.
The world would radically transform if the rainforest were to disappear, impacting all from farms to drinking water.
How hazardous is the fire? A blanket of darkness come over San Paulo, Brazil, for an hour Monday afternoon after a cold front caused winds to shift and carry smoke from about 1,700 miles away.
How has the public responded? Social media is trending with the hashtags #PrayforAmazonas and #AmazonRainforest.
Sources: NASA, Youtube
Queries: Truth About The Amazon rainforest Fire, Climate Emergency in Brazil
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