Manaus, Brazil – Official data published today by the Brazilian Space Agency INPE shows 2,562 fire hotspots have been recorded in the Amazon during the month of June – the highest level since 2007. The record number of fire hotspots follows high rates of deforestation throughout the first half of 2022. Experts are anticipating high numbers of fires in 2022 due to the high rate of deforestation since the last dry season.
Cristiane Mazzetti, spokesperson for Greenpeace Brazil, said:
“Agribusiness is hitting new records for forest destruction as the dry season arrives in the Amazon. Illegal burnings and deforestation have accelerated over the last three years as a direct result of the Brazilian government’s anti-environmental agenda that encourages the destruction of the forest. If this trend does not change we will approach the tipping point of no return in which the Amazon could fail as a rainforest.”
Since Jair Bolsonaro took office, his government has created a golden opportunity for those who want to clear forests or seize public lands, making the Amazon a more dangerous place for both environmental and human rights defenders. Just last month in June, Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira and UK journalist Dom Philips were murdered while advocating for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Amazon.
Diana Ruiz, Head of Forests at Greenpeace USA, said:
“Up to now, the Biden administration has only legitimized the Brazilian government’s anti-Indigenous and anti-environmental agenda. The US has a responsibility to act and stop making deals with President Bolsonaro, who continues to wage an assault against Indigenous Peoples and environmental defenders.”
Contact:
Katie Nelson, Senior Communications Specialist, Greenpeace USA: +1 (678) 644-1681, [email protected]
Karen Mota, Press Officer, Greenpeace Brazil: +55 11 97252-6867, [email protected]
