In a historic surge, nearly 3,000 forest fires were documented in the Brazilian Amazon this month, marking the highest February count since records began in 1999.

Climate change is being identified as a significant factor for such fires, with Brazil's INPE space research institute reporting 2,940 fires—67 per cent more than the previous record in February 2007 and four times higher than the same month last year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/largest-wildfire-in-texas-history-claims-1-million-acres-695287">Largest wildfire in Texas history claims 1 million acres</a>

The northern region, particularly the state of Roraima housing the Yanomami Indigenous reserve, faced the brunt of the fires.

Ane Alencar, the scientific director of the IPAM Amazonia research institute, emphasised the role of climate anomalies, citing temperature records and the recurring impact of droughts as contributors to the escalating crisis.

Last year's devastating drought in the Brazilian Amazon, lasting from June to November, set the stage for massive fires, depleting water reserves, disrupting ecosystems, and affecting millions.

A study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) linked climate change as the primary driver of the "exceptional drought" in the world's largest rainforest.

Alencar noted that this environmental stress creates conditions conducive to large fires, with some possibly resulting from forest clearing for agriculture.&nbsp;

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Despite deforestation halving last year due to enhanced environmental policing under President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the loss of 5,152 square kilometers of forest cover underscores the ongoing environmental challenge.

President Lula, who returned to office in 2023, has pledged renewed commitment to combat climate change and aims to eliminate illegal deforestation in Brazil by 2030.

This contrasts with the previous administration of Jair Bolsonaro, criticised for a 75 per cent&nbsp;increase in average annual deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon during his tenure (2019-2022).

(With inputs from agencies)

In a historic surge, nearly 3,000 forest fires were documented in the Brazilian Amazon this month, marking the highest February count since records began in 1999.

In a historic surge, nearly 3,000 forest fires were documented in the Brazilian Amazon this month, marking the highest February count since records began in 1999. Climate change is being identified as a significant factor for such fires, with Brazil's INPE space research institute reporting 2,940 fires—67 per cent more than the previous record in February 2007 and four times higher than the same month last year. Also read: Largest wildfire in Texas history claims 1 million acres The northern region, particularly the state of Roraima housing the Yanomami Indigenous reserve, faced the brunt of the fires. Ane Alencar, the scientific director of the IPAM Amazonia research institute, emphasised the role of climate anomalies, citing temperature records and the recurring impact of droughts as contributors to the escalating crisis. Last year's devastating drought in the Brazilian Amazon, lasting from June to November, set the stage for massive fires, depleting water reserves, disrupting ecosystems, and affecting millions. A study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) linked climate change as the primary driver of the "exceptional drought" in the world's largest rainforest. Alencar noted that this environmental stress creates conditions conducive to large fires, with some possibly resulting from forest clearing for agriculture. Also read: Wildfires in Texas: Immediate evacuation ordered Despite deforestation halving last year due to enhanced environmental policing under President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the loss of 5,152 square kilometers of forest cover underscores the ongoing environmental challenge. President Lula, who returned to office in 2023, has pledged renewed commitment to combat climate change and aims to eliminate illegal deforestation in Brazil by 2030. This contrasts with the previous administration of Jair Bolsonaro, criticised for a 75 per cent increase in average annual deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon during his tenure (2019-2022). (With inputs from agencies)

Brazilian Amazon witnessed 3,000 forest fires in February, highest since 1999

President Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;said Thursday&nbsp;that Brazil "should be congratulated for the way it preserves its environment".

Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force.

Speaking at a public event in the northeast state of Paraiba,&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;also said, "Brazil is the country that preserves the environment the most."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-314020">Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics</a>

Amazon deforestation has surged 34.5 pewr cent&nbsp;in the 12 months through July, compared to the same period a year ago, according to data from government space research agency Inpe.

And, in the world's largest wetland, the Pantanal, a record 23,490 square kilometers have burned through Septewmber&nbsp;6,&nbsp;nearly 16 per cent&nbsp;of the Brazilian Pantanal, according to a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro analysis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-fires-threaten-worlds-largest-wetland-321632">Brazil fires threaten world's largest wetland</a>

In the Amazon, illegal ranchers and land speculators generally set fire to plots of land to clear them for agricultural purposes.

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Environmental advocates blame&nbsp;Bolsonaro, who supports introducing more commercial farming and mining in the Amazon, for emboldening those who destroy the forest. The president says developing the Amazon will lift the region out of poverty.

Bolsonaro&nbsp;said on Wednesday&nbsp;the government was attempting to resolve the problem of fires via an initiative to issue land titles to those squatting on public land, in an effort the government has previously argued will allow them to be held accountable.

President Jair Bolsonaro said Thursday that Brazil "should be congratulated for the way it preserves its environment". Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force.

President Jair Bolsonaro said Thursday that Brazil "should be congratulated for the way it preserves its environment". Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force. Speaking at a public event in the northeast state of Paraiba, Bolsonaro also said, "Brazil is the country that preserves the environment the most." Also see: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics Amazon deforestation has surged 34.5 pewr cent in the 12 months through July, compared to the same period a year ago, according to data from government space research agency Inpe. And, in the world's largest wetland, the Pantanal, a record 23,490 square kilometers have burned through Septewmber 6, nearly 16 per cent of the Brazilian Pantanal, according to a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro analysis. Also read: Brazil fires threaten world's largest wetland In the Amazon, illegal ranchers and land speculators generally set fire to plots of land to clear them for agricultural purposes. × Environmental advocates blame Bolsonaro, who supports introducing more commercial farming and mining in the Amazon, for emboldening those who destroy the forest. The president says developing the Amazon will lift the region out of poverty. Bolsonaro said on Wednesday the government was attempting to resolve the problem of fires via an initiative to issue land titles to those squatting on public land, in an effort the government has previously argued will allow them to be held accountable.

As fires burn, Bolsonaro says Brazil should be congratulated for its 'environment work'

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro claimed on Friday that Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio financed fires being set in the Amazon rainforest, without presenting any evidence, the right-wing leader's latest broadside in casting blame over forest fires that have generated international concern. 
 
Bolsonaro appeared to be commenting on social media postings claiming that the environmental organization the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) had paid for images taken by volunteer firefighters that it then supposedly used to solicit donations, including a $500,000 contribution from DiCaprio. 
 
The WWF has denied receiving a donation from DiCaprio or obtaining photos from the firefighters. "This Leonardo DiCaprio is a cool guy, right? Giving money to torch the Amazon," Bolsonaro said on Friday during brief remarks in front of the presidential residence.&nbsp;

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"Leonardo DiCaprio is a cool guy, isn't he? Giving money to set the Amazon on fire." 
 
Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro accused the Hollywood actor of paying for the Amazon fires, without offering proof <a href="https://t.co/3W2vdnGbcH">pic.twitter.com/3W2vdnGbcH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TicToc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TicToc</a>
— Karim RAFFA (@karimraffa) <a href="https://twitter.com/karimraffa/status/1200618814615908354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">30 November 2019</a></blockquote>
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DiCaprio denied having donated to the WWF. In a statement, the actor lauded "the people of Brazil working to save their natural and cultural heritage". But, he said, "While worthy of support, we did not fund the organizations targeted". 
 
DiCaprio has been an outspoken advocate on behalf of combating climate change, speaking frequently about environmental issues including the Amazon forest fires. His Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which is focused on projects that "protect vulnerable wildlife from extinction," is part of the Earth Alliance. 
 
Four members of the nongovernmental organization Alter do Chão Fire Brigade were arrested on Tuesday with police accusing them of purposefully setting fires in order to document them and drum up more donations. They were released on Thursday on a judge's order. 
 
Politicians and other NGOs fiercely criticized the arrest, saying it was part of a concerted attempt by Bolsonaro's government to harass environmental groups. 
 
Scientists and activists blame land speculators, farmers, and ranchers for setting the fires to clear land for agricultural use, saying that deforesters are being emboldened by Bolsonaro's rhetoric of promoting the development and farming over preservation. 
 
The Amazon rainforest is considered a bulwark against global climate change. Bolsonaro has repeatedly lashed out at various factions in casting blame for the forest fires. 
 
In a Facebook live post on Aug. 21, he said, "Everything indicates" that NGOs were going to the Amazon to "set fire" to the forest. When asked then if he had evidence to back up his claims, Bolsonaro said he had "no written plan," adding, "that's not how it's done." 
 
One day later he admitted that farmers could be illegally setting the rainforest ablaze, but roughly a month later he attacked the "lying media" for saying that the rainforest was being devastated by the fires. 
 
Bolsonaro talked about DiCaprio on Thursday during a live webcast. The president said the WWF paid the firefighting NGO to take pictures of forest fires in the Amazon. 
 
"So what did the NGO do? What is the easiest thing? Set fire to the forest. Take pictures, make a video," the president said."(WWF) makes a campaign against Brazil, it contacts Leonardo DiCaprio. He donates $500,000." 
 
"A part of that went to the people that were setting fires. Leonardo DiCaprio, you are contributing to the fire in the Amazon, that won't do," Bolsonaro said.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro claimed on Friday that Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio financed fires being set in the Amazon rainforest, without presenting any evidence, the right-wing leader's latest broadside in casting blame over forest fires that have generated international concern.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro claimed on Friday that Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio financed fires being set in the Amazon rainforest, without presenting any evidence, the right-wing leader's latest broadside in casting blame over forest fires that have generated international concern. Bolsonaro appeared to be commenting on social media postings claiming that the environmental organization the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) had paid for images taken by volunteer firefighters that it then supposedly used to solicit donations, including a $500,000 contribution from DiCaprio. The WWF has denied receiving a donation from DiCaprio or obtaining photos from the firefighters. "This Leonardo DiCaprio is a cool guy, right? Giving money to torch the Amazon," Bolsonaro said on Friday during brief remarks in front of the presidential residence. "Leonardo DiCaprio is a cool guy, isn't he? Giving money to set the Amazon on fire." Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro accused the Hollywood actor of paying for the Amazon fires, without offering proof pic.twitter.com/3W2vdnGbcH @TicToc — Karim RAFFA (@karimraffa) 30 November 2019 × DiCaprio denied having donated to the WWF. In a statement, the actor lauded "the people of Brazil working to save their natural and cultural heritage". But, he said, "While worthy of support, we did not fund the organizations targeted". DiCaprio has been an outspoken advocate on behalf of combating climate change, speaking frequently about environmental issues including the Amazon forest fires. His Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which is focused on projects that "protect vulnerable wildlife from extinction," is part of the Earth Alliance. Four members of the nongovernmental organization Alter do Chão Fire Brigade were arrested on Tuesday with police accusing them of purposefully setting fires in order to document them and drum up more donations. They were released on Thursday on a judge's order. Politicians and other NGOs fiercely criticized the arrest, saying it was part of a concerted attempt by Bolsonaro's government to harass environmental groups. Scientists and activists blame land speculators, farmers, and ranchers for setting the fires to clear land for agricultural use, saying that deforesters are being emboldened by Bolsonaro's rhetoric of promoting the development and farming over preservation. The Amazon rainforest is considered a bulwark against global climate change. Bolsonaro has repeatedly lashed out at various factions in casting blame for the forest fires. In a Facebook live post on Aug. 21, he said, "Everything indicates" that NGOs were going to the Amazon to "set fire" to the forest. When asked then if he had evidence to back up his claims, Bolsonaro said he had "no written plan," adding, "that's not how it's done." One day later he admitted that farmers could be illegally setting the rainforest ablaze, but roughly a month later he attacked the "lying media" for saying that the rainforest was being devastated by the fires. Bolsonaro talked about DiCaprio on Thursday during a live webcast. The president said the WWF paid the firefighting NGO to take pictures of forest fires in the Amazon. "So what did the NGO do? What is the easiest thing? Set fire to the forest. Take pictures, make a video," the president said."(WWF) makes a campaign against Brazil, it contacts Leonardo DiCaprio. He donates $500,000." "A part of that went to the people that were setting fires. Leonardo DiCaprio, you are contributing to the fire in the Amazon, that won't do," Bolsonaro said.

Brazil's president Jair Bolsonaro accuses Leonardo DiCaprio of financing Amazon fires, offers no evidence

A Human Rights Watch report on Tuesday (September 17) found that more than 300 people have been killed over the past decade in conflicts over the use of land and resources in the Amazon, many by organised criminal networks profiting from illegal deforestation.

Hundreds killed in Brazil's Amazon over land, resources in past decade -report