4,500 sq km of deforested land in Amazon may burn this year: Report

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 9

In a year already marked by catastrophic events like Covid-19, a recent report by the Institute for Environmental Research in the Amazon (IPAM) suggests that Amazon deforested area to be burned in 2020 may exceed 4,500 sq km.

The IPAM, in its second technical note on deforestation and fires, said areas that could be affected by fires in 2020 may be stronger than the tragedy in 2019.

“The impact of smoke on public health can aggravate the chaotic situation caused by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the accelerated pace of deforestation continues in the coming months, almost 9,000 sq km may turn into ash, as the most intense season of felling and burning has now begun,” scientists say.

“Brazil has the second highest number of cases in the world, behind the US. Mortality by Covid-19 in Amazonas is four times higher than the national average,” warns IPAM.

“If this happens, the number of hospitalisation for respiratory problems can increase significantly, putting further pressure on the region’s healthcare system, which is already severely affected by Covid,” it added.

“Curbing fires and deforestation this year is not only an environmental protection action, but a health measure as well,” according to author Paulo Moutinho.

The 2019 Amazon rainforest wildfires season saw a year-to-year surge in fires in Amazon rainforest and Amazon biome. Amazon cities that burnt the most saw air pollution climb an average of 53 per cent more as compared to 2018.

Fire is the next step in the process of converting forest for another land use, such as pasture, says Director of Science at IPAM Ane Alencar.

“Therefore, when we have a high rate of deforestation in the Amazon, it is directly related to the surge in hotspots. It was what we saw happening in 2019 and, unfortunately, if nothing is done, it is what we should see in 2020 since the felling continues at a high rate,” Alencar added.