Adriane E. Meulbert, Brazilian Ecologist on Amazon fire. To know more

Adriane E. Meulbert on Brazil rejected millions in Amazon aid

At least 23 people died in a bar fire in the southeastern Mexican port of Coatzacoalcos late on Tuesday after a suspected attack, authorities said, in what appeared to be one of the most deadly acts of criminal violence under the current government.

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Brazil on Monday rejected aid from G7 countries to curb the Amazon wildfires, asking French President Emmanuel Macron to “reforest Europe” instead of showing sympathy there. Watch this video to know more.

Bolsonaro rejects G7 aid for the Amazon, Bolsonaro questions Macron's intentions

The Brazilian government has rejected G7 aid of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-pledges-millions-to-help-fight-amazon-fires-245803">20 million euros to fight Amazon fires</a>, news agency AFP reported&nbsp;on Tuesday.

"We appreciate (the offer), but maybe those resources are more relevant to reforest Europe,"&nbsp;Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro, told the G1 news website.

"Macron cannot even avoid a foreseeable fire in a church that is a world heritage site. What does he intend to teach our country?" Lorenzoni continued, referring to the fire in April that devastated the Notre-Dame cathedral.

Brazilian Environment Minister Ricardo Salles had earlier told reporters they had welcomed the G7 funding to fight the fires.

But after a meeting between Bolsonaro and his ministers, the Brazilian government changed course.

The G7 has agreed to spend 20 million euros on the Amazon, mainly to send firefighting aircraft to tackle the huge blazes engulfing many parts of the world's biggest rainforest.

The initiative was announced after G7 leaders meeting in the resort of Biarritz held talks on the environment, focusing on the record number of fires destroying chunks of the Amazon.

The Amazon rainforest, which produces about 20 per cent of the Earth's atmosphere's oxygen, is burning from wildfires at a record rate and has drawn international attention.

Watch:&nbsp;G7 Nations extend help for Amazon

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-nations-extend-help-for-amazon-245815/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Environmental activists have been staging protests at Brazilian embassies worldwide and&nbsp;accusing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro of supporting&nbsp;farmers who are burning the rainforest to expand farming land.

On Saturday, the Brazilian&nbsp;authorities deployed troops&nbsp;in an attempt to fight the environmental disaster.

(With inputs from AFP)

The Brazilian government has rejected G7 aid of 20 million euros to fight Amazon fires, news agency AFP reported on Tuesday. "We appreciate (the offer), but maybe those resources are more relevant to reforest Europe," Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro, told the G1 news website.

The Brazilian government has rejected G7 aid of 20 million euros to fight Amazon fires, news agency AFP reported on Tuesday. "We appreciate (the offer), but maybe those resources are more relevant to reforest Europe," Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro, told the G1 news website. "Macron cannot even avoid a foreseeable fire in a church that is a world heritage site. What does he intend to teach our country?" Lorenzoni continued, referring to the fire in April that devastated the Notre-Dame cathedral. Brazilian Environment Minister Ricardo Salles had earlier told reporters they had welcomed the G7 funding to fight the fires. But after a meeting between Bolsonaro and his ministers, the Brazilian government changed course. The G7 has agreed to spend 20 million euros on the Amazon, mainly to send firefighting aircraft to tackle the huge blazes engulfing many parts of the world's biggest rainforest. The initiative was announced after G7 leaders meeting in the resort of Biarritz held talks on the environment, focusing on the record number of fires destroying chunks of the Amazon. The Amazon rainforest, which produces about 20 per cent of the Earth's atmosphere's oxygen, is burning from wildfires at a record rate and has drawn international attention. Watch: G7 Nations extend help for Amazon Environmental activists have been staging protests at Brazilian embassies worldwide and accusing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro of supporting farmers who are burning the rainforest to expand farming land. On Saturday, the Brazilian authorities deployed troops in an attempt to fight the environmental disaster. (With inputs from AFP)

Brazil rejects G7 aid of 20 million euros to fight Amazon fires

As the Amazon fire raged and the Brazilian government rejected G7 aid, US President Trump that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-bolsonaro-open-to-g7-aid-if-macron-withdraws-insults-246047">President Jair Bolsonaro</a> was "working very hard on the Amazon fires".

Trump said in all respects Bolsonaro was doing a great job for the people of Brazil, adding that it wasn't easy.

"He and his country have the full and complete support of the USA!, the US president said.

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I have gotten to know President <a href="https://twitter.com/jairbolsonaro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jairbolsonaro</a> well in our dealings with Brazil. He is working very hard on the Amazon fires and in all respects doing a great job for the people of Brazil - Not easy. He and his country have the full and complete support of the USA!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1166357258726498304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Tuesday, Bolsonaro's government <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-rejects-g7-aid-of-20-million-euros-to-fight-amazon-fires-245885">had refused G7 aid of 20 million euros</a> to fight the Amazon fires with Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro asserting that the money was "more relevant to reforest Europe".

"Macron cannot even avoid a foreseeable fire in a church that is a world heritage site. What does he intend to teach our country?" Lorenzoni asked.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/drone-reveals-aftermath-of-amazon-fires-245993/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hundreds of new fires have flared up in the Amazon in Brazil, data showed Monday, even as military aircraft dumped water over hard-hit areas and G7 nations pledged to help combat the blazes.

Two C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying thousands of liters of water on Sunday had begun dousing fires devouring chunks of the world's largest rainforest, which is seen as crucial to keeping climate change in check.

According to the latest official figures, 80,626 forest fires have been recorded in Brazil this year, the highest number of any year since at least 2013. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As the Amazon fire raged and the Brazilian government rejected G7 aid, US President Trump that President Jair Bolsonaro was "working very hard on the Amazon fires".

As the Amazon fire raged and the Brazilian government rejected G7 aid, US President Trump that President Jair Bolsonaro was "working very hard on the Amazon fires". Trump said in all respects Bolsonaro was doing a great job for the people of Brazil, adding that it wasn't easy. "He and his country have the full and complete support of the USA!, the US president said. I have gotten to know President @jairbolsonaro well in our dealings with Brazil. He is working very hard on the Amazon fires and in all respects doing a great job for the people of Brazil - Not easy. He and his country have the full and complete support of the USA! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2019 × On Tuesday, Bolsonaro's government had refused G7 aid of 20 million euros to fight the Amazon fires with Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro asserting that the money was "more relevant to reforest Europe". "Macron cannot even avoid a foreseeable fire in a church that is a world heritage site. What does he intend to teach our country?" Lorenzoni asked. Watch Video: Hundreds of new fires have flared up in the Amazon in Brazil, data showed Monday, even as military aircraft dumped water over hard-hit areas and G7 nations pledged to help combat the blazes. Two C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying thousands of liters of water on Sunday had begun dousing fires devouring chunks of the world's largest rainforest, which is seen as crucial to keeping climate change in check. According to the latest official figures, 80,626 forest fires have been recorded in Brazil this year, the highest number of any year since at least 2013.

Bolsonaro working very hard on Amazon fires, doing a great job: Trump

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-bolsonaro-open-to-g7-aid-if-macron-withdraws-insults-246047">Brazil President Bolsonaro open to G7 aid if Macron 'withdraws insults'</a>

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said Tuesday he was open to discussing&nbsp;G7 aid for fighting fires&nbsp;in the Amazon if his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron "withdraws insults" made against him, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-increases-military-activity-along-loc-deploys-medium-range-artillery-246007">Pakistan increases military activity along LoC; deploys medium range artillery</a>

Days after India removed special status for Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K), Pakistan after restoring to diplomatic means which failed, is trying to create tensions at the Line of Control(LoC).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-g7-for-carping-remarks-on-hong-kongs-internal-affairs-246022">China slams G7's 'carping remarks' on Hong Kong's internal affairs</a>

China on Tuesday slammed G7's statement on Hong Kong and said that it's&nbsp;purely internal affairs&nbsp;of China which can well handle it and the members of Group of Seven should not put their nose in with ulterior motives, reported news agency Reuters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-trump-policies-deepen-farmers-pain-democrats-see-an-opening-in-rural-america-246005">As Trump policies deepen farmers' pain, Democrats see an opening in rural America</a>

Seizing on mounting Farm Belt frustration with&nbsp;President Donald&nbsp;Trump's economic agenda, Democratic rivals are stepping up their push to take back part of&nbsp;rural&nbsp;America, whose overwhelming support for&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;helped propel his upset 2016 election victory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-accuses-pakistan-of-military-violations-seeks-action-from-united-nations-246034">Kabul accuses Pakistan of military violations; seeks action from United Nations</a>

Seeking an action from the UN against Pakistan,&nbsp;Kabul said that the violations from Pakistan continued in the form of shelling and airspace despite several appeals.

Brazil President Bolsonaro open to G7 aid if Macron 'withdraws insults' Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said Tuesday he was open to discussing G7 aid for fighting fires in the Amazon if his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron "withdraws insults" made against him, news agency AFP reported.

Brazil President Bolsonaro open to G7 aid if Macron 'withdraws insults' Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said Tuesday he was open to discussing G7 aid for fighting fires in the Amazon if his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron "withdraws insults" made against him, news agency AFP reported. Pakistan increases military activity along LoC; deploys medium range artillery Days after India removed special status for Jammu and Kashmir(J&K), Pakistan after restoring to diplomatic means which failed, is trying to create tensions at the Line of Control(LoC). China slams G7's 'carping remarks' on Hong Kong's internal affairs China on Tuesday slammed G7's statement on Hong Kong and said that it's purely internal affairs of China which can well handle it and the members of Group of Seven should not put their nose in with ulterior motives, reported news agency Reuters. As Trump policies deepen farmers' pain, Democrats see an opening in rural America Seizing on mounting Farm Belt frustration with President Donald Trump's economic agenda, Democratic rivals are stepping up their push to take back part of rural America, whose overwhelming support for Trump helped propel his upset 2016 election victory. Kabul accuses Pakistan of military violations; seeks action from United Nations Seeking an action from the UN against Pakistan, Kabul said that the violations from Pakistan continued in the form of shelling and airspace despite several appeals.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Brazilian&nbsp;warplanes&nbsp;are&nbsp;dumping&nbsp;water&nbsp;on the burning forest in the&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;state of Rondonia, responding to a global outcry over the destruction of the world's largest tropical rain forest.

As of Sunday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-amazon-burns-brazils-jair-bolsonaro-tells-rest-of-world-not-to-interfere-244909">President Jair Bolsonaro</a> had authorized&nbsp;military&nbsp;operations in seven states to combat raging&nbsp;fires&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Amazon, responding to requests for assistance from their local governments, a spokeswoman for his office said.

Reuters accompanied a firefighting&nbsp;brigade near the state capital of Porto Velho, where there were areas larger than football fields that had been charred, but active&nbsp;fires&nbsp;were contained to small areas of individual trees.

The dozen or so yellow-clad firefighters from environmental enforcement agency Ibama easily cleared brush from around a burning stump with a leaf blower, doused it with jets connected to&nbsp;water&nbsp;packs mounted on their backs and covered it in the earth.

A video posted by the Defense Ministry on Saturday evening showed a&nbsp;military&nbsp;plane pumping thousands of litres (thousands of gallons) of&nbsp;water&nbsp;out of two giant jets as it passed through clouds of smoke close to the forest canopy.

The response comes as leaders of countries in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-march-near-biarritz-demanding-action-from-g7-leaders-245340">Group of Seven (G7)</a> nations currently meeting in France expressed grave concerns over the&nbsp;fires.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday said the G7 was nearing a deal to provide "technical and financial help" to countries affected by the&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;fires.

Nearly 80,000&nbsp;fires&nbsp;have been registered across&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;through August 24, the highest since at least 2013, according to space research agency INPE.

Bolsonaro announced the&nbsp;military&nbsp;would be sent in on Friday after several days of criticism from the public and world leaders that&nbsp;Brazil's government was not doing anything to fight the&nbsp;fires.

He also said on Twitter he had accepted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's offer of a plane and specialized support for the firefighting&nbsp;operations, following a call between the two leaders.

But outside of Rondonia, the government had yet to provide any operational details for other states.

The Defense Ministry said in a briefing on Saturday that 44,000 troops were available in&nbsp;Brazil's northern&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;region but did not say how many would be used where and what they would do.

Military&nbsp;personnel around Porto Velho appeared to be largely coordinating firefighting&nbsp;efforts, according to a Reuters witness.

Asked for additional details, the Defense Ministry told Reuters in a statement that in all seven states that have asked for help, the&nbsp;military&nbsp;is planning operations to support firefighting initiatives already underway.

Justice Minister Sergio Moro had also authorized a force of&nbsp;military&nbsp;police to assist in&nbsp;fighting&nbsp;the&nbsp;fires, with 30 sets to be sent from Brasilia to Porto Velho.

The president's office posted to Twitter a photo of police officers on a plane bound for Rondonia set to arrive at noon.

Environment Minister Ricardo Salles posted a video showing a caravan of yellow fire prevention trucks and other government vehicles, saying they were on the ground responding in Rondonia.

Colombian President Ivan Duque said on Sunday he would seek a conservation pact with other&nbsp;Amazonian countries - first in bi-lateral meetings in Peru this week and then at the United Nations General Assembly.

"Colombia wants to lead a pact, a conservation pact, between the countries that have&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;territory," Duque said after meeting with an indigenous community in the&nbsp;Amazonian city of Leticia in southern Colombia.

"We must understand the protection of our Mother Earth and our&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;is a duty, a moral duty."

The&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;is the world's largest tropical rain forest and is seen as vital to the fight against climate change because of the vast amounts of carbon dioxide than it absorbs.

The&nbsp;Amazon, which provides 20 per cent of the planet's oxygen, is home to an estimated one million indigenous people from up to 500 tribes as well some three million species of plants and animals, including jaguars, sloths, giant otters, river dolphins, howler monkeys, toucans, reptiles, frogs and insects.

Brazilian climate scientist Carlos Nobre said he worries if 20-25 per cent of the ecosystem is destroyed that the&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;could reach a tipping point, after which it would enter a self-sustaining period of dieback as the forest converts to savannah.&nbsp;

Nobre warned that it is not far off with already 15-17 per cent of the rain forest having been destroyed.

Brazilian warplanes are dumping water on the burning forest in the Amazon state of Rondonia, responding to a global outcry over the destruction of the world's largest tropical rain forest.

Brazilian warplanes are dumping water on the burning forest in the Amazon state of Rondonia, responding to a global outcry over the destruction of the world's largest tropical rain forest. As of Sunday, President Jair Bolsonaro had authorized military operations in seven states to combat raging fires in the Amazon, responding to requests for assistance from their local governments, a spokeswoman for his office said. Reuters accompanied a firefighting brigade near the state capital of Porto Velho, where there were areas larger than football fields that had been charred, but active fires were contained to small areas of individual trees. The dozen or so yellow-clad firefighters from environmental enforcement agency Ibama easily cleared brush from around a burning stump with a leaf blower, doused it with jets connected to water packs mounted on their backs and covered it in the earth. A video posted by the Defense Ministry on Saturday evening showed a military plane pumping thousands of litres (thousands of gallons) of water out of two giant jets as it passed through clouds of smoke close to the forest canopy. The response comes as leaders of countries in the Group of Seven (G7) nations currently meeting in France expressed grave concerns over the fires. French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday said the G7 was nearing a deal to provide "technical and financial help" to countries affected by the Amazon fires. Nearly 80,000 fires have been registered across Brazil through August 24, the highest since at least 2013, according to space research agency INPE. Bolsonaro announced the military would be sent in on Friday after several days of criticism from the public and world leaders that Brazil's government was not doing anything to fight the fires. He also said on Twitter he had accepted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's offer of a plane and specialized support for the firefighting operations, following a call between the two leaders. But outside of Rondonia, the government had yet to provide any operational details for other states. The Defense Ministry said in a briefing on Saturday that 44,000 troops were available in Brazil's northern Amazon region but did not say how many would be used where and what they would do. Military personnel around Porto Velho appeared to be largely coordinating firefighting efforts, according to a Reuters witness. Asked for additional details, the Defense Ministry told Reuters in a statement that in all seven states that have asked for help, the military is planning operations to support firefighting initiatives already underway. Justice Minister Sergio Moro had also authorized a force of military police to assist in fighting the fires, with 30 sets to be sent from Brasilia to Porto Velho. The president's office posted to Twitter a photo of police officers on a plane bound for Rondonia set to arrive at noon. Environment Minister Ricardo Salles posted a video showing a caravan of yellow fire prevention trucks and other government vehicles, saying they were on the ground responding in Rondonia. Colombian President Ivan Duque said on Sunday he would seek a conservation pact with other Amazonian countries - first in bi-lateral meetings in Peru this week and then at the United Nations General Assembly. "Colombia wants to lead a pact, a conservation pact, between the countries that have Amazon territory," Duque said after meeting with an indigenous community in the Amazonian city of Leticia in southern Colombia. "We must understand the protection of our Mother Earth and our Amazon is a duty, a moral duty." The Amazon is the world's largest tropical rain forest and is seen as vital to the fight against climate change because of the vast amounts of carbon dioxide than it absorbs. The Amazon, which provides 20 per cent of the planet's oxygen, is home to an estimated one million indigenous people from up to 500 tribes as well some three million species of plants and animals, including jaguars, sloths, giant otters, river dolphins, howler monkeys, toucans, reptiles, frogs and insects. Brazilian climate scientist Carlos Nobre said he worries if 20-25 per cent of the ecosystem is destroyed that the Amazon could reach a tipping point, after which it would enter a self-sustaining period of dieback as the forest converts to savannah. Nobre warned that it is not far off with already 15-17 per cent of the rain forest having been destroyed.

Warplanes dump water on Amazon as Brazil military begins fighting fires

Brazil has 44,000 troops stationed in its northern Amazon region that are available to combat forest fires and could send more from elsewhere in the country, the joint chief of staff for the country's military said on Saturday.

Brazil: 44,000 troops deployed to combat forest fires

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bahrain-honours-pm-modi-with-king-hamad-order-of-the-renaissance-245393">Bahrain honours PM Modi with King Hamad Order of the Renaissance</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with King Hamad Order of the Renaissance (or for Development by the King of Bahrain.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bahrain-sign-4-mous-after-delegation-level-talks-245398">India, Bahrain sign four MoUs after delegation-level talks</a>

India and Bahrain on Saturday signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the field of culture, space, solar energy, and on the roll-out of RuPay card, following the delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bahraini counterpart Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-fire-tear-gas-water-cannons-at-anti-g7-protesters-245391">French police fire tear gas, water cannons at anti-G7 protesters</a>

French riot police used water cannons and tear gas on Saturday to disperse anti-capitalism protesters in Bayonne, near the resort of Biarritz where President Emmanuel Macron and G7 nation allies were meeting for a three-day summit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-to-tell-trump-to-de-escalate-trade-tensions-245399">Boris Johnson urges Trump to remove 'considerable barriers' for UK trade</a>

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday urged US President Donald Trump to remove the "considerable barriers" for UK companies seeking to export to the American market, saying they risked impeding a free-trade deal after Brexit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-new-fires-in-brazil-as-outrage-over-amazon-grows-245400">Hundreds of new fires in Brazil as outrage over Amazon grows</a>

Hundreds of new fires are raging in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, official data showed Saturday, as thousands of troops were made available to help fight the worst blazes in years following a global outcry.&nbsp;

Bahrain honours PM Modi with King Hamad Order of the Renaissance Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with King Hamad Order of the Renaissance (or for Development by the King of Bahrain.

Bahrain honours PM Modi with King Hamad Order of the Renaissance Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with King Hamad Order of the Renaissance (or for Development by the King of Bahrain. India, Bahrain sign four MoUs after delegation-level talks India and Bahrain on Saturday signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the field of culture, space, solar energy, and on the roll-out of RuPay card, following the delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bahraini counterpart Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa. French police fire tear gas, water cannons at anti-G7 protesters French riot police used water cannons and tear gas on Saturday to disperse anti-capitalism protesters in Bayonne, near the resort of Biarritz where President Emmanuel Macron and G7 nation allies were meeting for a three-day summit. Boris Johnson urges Trump to remove 'considerable barriers' for UK trade British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday urged US President Donald Trump to remove the "considerable barriers" for UK companies seeking to export to the American market, saying they risked impeding a free-trade deal after Brexit. Hundreds of new fires in Brazil as outrage over Amazon grows Hundreds of new fires are raging in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, official data showed Saturday, as thousands of troops were made available to help fight the worst blazes in years following a global outcry.

Hundreds of new fires are raging in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-indigenous-people-swear-to-fight-for-amazon-to-last-drop-of-blood-245334">Amazon rainforest in Brazil</a>, official data showed Saturday, as thousands of troops were made available to help fight the worst blazes in years following a global outcry.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-eu-threatens-trade-retaliation-brazil-sends-army-to-fight-amazon-fires-245212">Multiple fires billowing huge plumes of smoke</a> into the air were seen across a vast area of the northwestern state of Rondonia on Friday when AFP journalists flew over the area.&nbsp;

Several residents in the capital, Porto Velho, told AFP on Saturday that what appeared to be light clouds hanging over the city of half a million people, was actually smoke from the blazes that had scorched swaths of land and left tree trunks smoldering on the ground.

"I'm very worried because of the environment and health," Delmara Conceicao Silva told AFP.&nbsp;

"I have a daughter with respiratory problems and she suffers more because of the fires."

The fires in the world's largest rainforest have triggered a global uproar, and are a major topic of concern at the G7 meeting in Biarritz in southern France.

Official figures show 78,383 forest fires have been recorded in Brazil this year, the highest number of any year since 2013. Experts say the clearing of land during the monthslong dry season to make way for crops or grazing, has aggravated the problem.&nbsp;

More than half of the fires are in the massive Amazon basin, where more than 20 million people live. Some 1,663 new fires were ignited between Thursday and Friday, according to Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE).&nbsp;

The new data came a day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-amazon-burns-brazils-jair-bolsonaro-tells-rest-of-world-not-to-interfere-244909">Bolsonaro</a> authorized deployment of the military to fight the fires and crack down on criminal activity.&nbsp;

Seven states, including Rondonia, have requested the army's help in the Amazon, where more than 43,000 troops are based and available to combat fires, officials said. Firefighters and planes are also being deployed.&nbsp;

Six aircraft, including two Hercules C-130s equipped to carry 12,000 liters (3,170 gallons) of water each, have been sent to Rondonia to fight the fires. They are expected to be joined by 30 firefighters on Sunday.

'Help is welcome'

US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, both attending the G7 summit, have offered their countries' assistance in fighting the fires.&nbsp;

"Any help is welcome in respect to the fires," Brazil's Defense Minister Fernando Azevedo e Silva told reporters on Saturday. &nbsp;

The blazes have stirred outrage globally, with thousands of people protesting in Brazil and Europe on Friday. More demonstrations are planned in Brazil on Sunday.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Bolsonaro, whose anti-environment rhetoric since coming to power in January has been blamed for harming the Amazon and indigenous tribes, accused non-governmental organizations of deliberately starting the fires after their funding was cut.&nbsp;

The growing crisis threatens to torpedo a blockbuster trade deal between the European Union and South American countries, including Brazil, that took 20 years to negotiate.

EU Council president Donald Tusk told reporters at the G7 on Saturday that it was hard to imagine European countries ratifying a trade pact with the Mercosur bloc as long as Brazil fails to curb the fires ravaging the Amazon, which is known as the "lungs of the planet" because of its crucial role in mitigating climate change.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron, who has taken the lead in pressing his Brazilian counterpart over the fires, had earlier accused Bolsonaro of lying to him about Brazil's stance on climate change.&nbsp;

In an escalating war of words between the two leaders, Bolsonaro denounced what he calls Macron's "colonialist mentality."

Environmental specialists say the fires are coming amid increasing deforestation in the Amazon region, which in July took place at a rate four times that of the same month in 2018, according to data from INPE.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro has previously attacked the institute, describing its data as lies and engineering the sacking of its head.

On Friday, he insisted that the fires should not be used as an excuse to punish Brazil.&nbsp;

"There are forest fires all over the world, and this cannot be used as a pretext for possible international sanctions," Bolsonaro said.

Brazil's powerful agriculture sector -- which strongly supports Bolsonaro -- has expressed concerns over the president's rhetoric, fearing boycotts of their products in key markets.&nbsp;

In an editorial Saturday, the respected Folha de S.Paulo newspaper warned that Bolsonaro's "bravado" had worsened the crisis caused by accelerating deforestation.

"The damage to (Brazil's) image is done, and it could have important trade repercussions," it said.

"Nationalistic bravado will not win the game this time."&nbsp;

Hundreds of new fires are raging in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, official data showed Saturday, as thousands of troops were made available to help fight the worst blazes in years following a global outcry.

Hundreds of new fires are raging in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, official data showed Saturday, as thousands of troops were made available to help fight the worst blazes in years following a global outcry. Multiple fires billowing huge plumes of smoke into the air were seen across a vast area of the northwestern state of Rondonia on Friday when AFP journalists flew over the area. Several residents in the capital, Porto Velho, told AFP on Saturday that what appeared to be light clouds hanging over the city of half a million people, was actually smoke from the blazes that had scorched swaths of land and left tree trunks smoldering on the ground. "I'm very worried because of the environment and health," Delmara Conceicao Silva told AFP. "I have a daughter with respiratory problems and she suffers more because of the fires." The fires in the world's largest rainforest have triggered a global uproar, and are a major topic of concern at the G7 meeting in Biarritz in southern France. Official figures show 78,383 forest fires have been recorded in Brazil this year, the highest number of any year since 2013. Experts say the clearing of land during the monthslong dry season to make way for crops or grazing, has aggravated the problem. More than half of the fires are in the massive Amazon basin, where more than 20 million people live. Some 1,663 new fires were ignited between Thursday and Friday, according to Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE). The new data came a day after Bolsonaro authorized deployment of the military to fight the fires and crack down on criminal activity. Seven states, including Rondonia, have requested the army's help in the Amazon, where more than 43,000 troops are based and available to combat fires, officials said. Firefighters and planes are also being deployed. Six aircraft, including two Hercules C-130s equipped to carry 12,000 liters (3,170 gallons) of water each, have been sent to Rondonia to fight the fires. They are expected to be joined by 30 firefighters on Sunday. 'Help is welcome' US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, both attending the G7 summit, have offered their countries' assistance in fighting the fires. "Any help is welcome in respect to the fires," Brazil's Defense Minister Fernando Azevedo e Silva told reporters on Saturday. The blazes have stirred outrage globally, with thousands of people protesting in Brazil and Europe on Friday. More demonstrations are planned in Brazil on Sunday. Earlier this week, Bolsonaro, whose anti-environment rhetoric since coming to power in January has been blamed for harming the Amazon and indigenous tribes, accused non-governmental organizations of deliberately starting the fires after their funding was cut. The growing crisis threatens to torpedo a blockbuster trade deal between the European Union and South American countries, including Brazil, that took 20 years to negotiate. EU Council president Donald Tusk told reporters at the G7 on Saturday that it was hard to imagine European countries ratifying a trade pact with the Mercosur bloc as long as Brazil fails to curb the fires ravaging the Amazon, which is known as the "lungs of the planet" because of its crucial role in mitigating climate change. French President Emmanuel Macron, who has taken the lead in pressing his Brazilian counterpart over the fires, had earlier accused Bolsonaro of lying to him about Brazil's stance on climate change. In an escalating war of words between the two leaders, Bolsonaro denounced what he calls Macron's "colonialist mentality." Environmental specialists say the fires are coming amid increasing deforestation in the Amazon region, which in July took place at a rate four times that of the same month in 2018, according to data from INPE. Bolsonaro has previously attacked the institute, describing its data as lies and engineering the sacking of its head. On Friday, he insisted that the fires should not be used as an excuse to punish Brazil. "There are forest fires all over the world, and this cannot be used as a pretext for possible international sanctions," Bolsonaro said. Brazil's powerful agriculture sector -- which strongly supports Bolsonaro -- has expressed concerns over the president's rhetoric, fearing boycotts of their products in key markets. In an editorial Saturday, the respected Folha de S.Paulo newspaper warned that Bolsonaro's "bravado" had worsened the crisis caused by accelerating deforestation. "The damage to (Brazil's) image is done, and it could have important trade repercussions," it said. "Nationalistic bravado will not win the game this time."

Hundreds of new fires in Brazil as outrage over Amazon grows

Brazil on Sunday deployed two Hercules C-130 aircraft to douse fires devouring parts of the Amazon rainforest, as hundreds of new blazes were ignited ahead of nationwide protests over the destruction.

Brazil on Sunday deployed two Hercules C-130 aircraft to douse fires devouring parts of the Amazon rainforest, as hundreds of new blazes were ignited ahead of nationwide protests over the destruction. Heavy smoke covered the city of Porto Velho in the northwestern state of Rondonia where the defence ministry said the planes have started dumping thousands of litres of water, amid a global uproar over the worst fires in years. Swathes of the remote region bordering Bolivia have been scorched by the blazes, sending thick smoke billowing into the sky and increasing air pollution across the world's largest rainforest. Experts say increased land clearing during the months-long dry season to make way for crops or grazing has aggravated the problem this year. "It gets worse every year this year, the smoke has been really serious," Deliana Amorim, 46, told AFP in Porto Velho where half a million people live. At least seven states, including Rondonia, have requested the army's help in the Amazon, where more than 43,000 troops are based and available to combat fires, officials said. The fires have triggered a global outcry and are a major topic of concern at the G7 meeting in Biarritz in southern France. World leaders at the summit have agreed to help the countries affected by the fires "as fast as possible," French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday. His remarks come amid an escalating war of words with his Brazilian counterpart Jair Bolsonaro, who he has accused of lying over Brazil's stance on climate change. Bolsonaro has denounced what he calls Macron's "colonialist mentality." Trade deal at risk The fires threaten to torpedo a huge trade agreement between the European Union and South American countries, including Brazil, that took 20 years to negotiate. Pope Francis on Sunday also voiced concern for the rainforest, which he described as a "vital" lung for the planet. The latest official figures show 79,513 forest fires have been recorded in Brazil this year, the highest number of any year since 2013. More than half of the fires are in the massive Amazon basin, where more than 20 million people live. Some 1,130 new fires were ignited between Friday and Saturday, according to Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE). The new data come as protesters plan to take to the streets across Brazil on Sunday after thousands held demonstrations in the country and Europe on Friday.

Brazil's army fights Amazon fires after hundreds of new blazes ignite

Brazil has 44,000 troops stationed in its northern Amazon region that are available to combat forest fires and could send more from elsewhere in the country, the joint chief of staff for the country's military said on Saturday. Watch this video to know more.

Hundreds of fresh fires detected in Amazon, Brazil deploys 44,000 troops for combat

Brazil has seen an 84% increase in fire outbreaks this year compared to the same period last year, the majority of which are in the Amazon.

Protests over Amazon fires break out across the world

Amazon wildfire: Celebs shares old, incorrect images; spreads misinformation.

Amazon wildfire: Celebs shares old, incorrect images; spreads misinformation

Amazon continues to burn; Bolsonaro sends troops to fight fire. Watch video to know more.

Amazon continues to burn; Bolsonaro sends troops to fight fire

United States President Donald Trump called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-eu-threatens-trade-retaliation-brazil-sends-army-to-fight-amazon-fires-245212">Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro </a>on Friday (local time) and offered assistance, if needed, to tackle the raging wildfires in the Amazon rainforest.

"Just spoke with President @JairBolsonaro of Brazil. Our future Trade prospects are very exciting and our relationship is strong, perhaps stronger than ever before. I told him if the United States can help with the Amazon Rainforest fires, we stand ready to assist!" the president tweeted.

The far-right leader told reporters on Friday that he was inclined to deploy the troops using a presidential decree.&nbsp;

Brazil`s environmental agency, IBAMA, is also hiring hundreds of temporary firefighters to help fight the fires, CNN reported after quoting the agency on Friday.

The announcement came as political, civil society leaders and celebrities around the world stepped up their pressure on the Brazilian government over the blazing rainforest.

France and Ireland said they would block a trade deal between the European Union and Mercosur, the economic and political bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, unless Brazil takes action on the Amazon forest.

French President Emmanuel Macron called the Amazon wildfires an "international crisis" that needed to be on the agenda at the G7 summit in Biarritz.

Bolsonaro denounced Macron`s offer as "sensationalist" and accused him of using the fires for "political gain."

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reiterated Macron's stance and said international cooperation is needed to protect rainforests.&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump called Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday (local time) and offered assistance, if needed, to tackle the raging wildfires in the Amazon rainforest.

United States President Donald Trump called Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday (local time) and offered assistance, if needed, to tackle the raging wildfires in the Amazon rainforest. "Just spoke with President @JairBolsonaro of Brazil. Our future Trade prospects are very exciting and our relationship is strong, perhaps stronger than ever before. I told him if the United States can help with the Amazon Rainforest fires, we stand ready to assist!" the president tweeted. The far-right leader told reporters on Friday that he was inclined to deploy the troops using a presidential decree. Brazil`s environmental agency, IBAMA, is also hiring hundreds of temporary firefighters to help fight the fires, CNN reported after quoting the agency on Friday. The announcement came as political, civil society leaders and celebrities around the world stepped up their pressure on the Brazilian government over the blazing rainforest. France and Ireland said they would block a trade deal between the European Union and Mercosur, the economic and political bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, unless Brazil takes action on the Amazon forest. French President Emmanuel Macron called the Amazon wildfires an "international crisis" that needed to be on the agenda at the G7 summit in Biarritz. Bolsonaro denounced Macron`s offer as "sensationalist" and accused him of using the fires for "political gain." Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reiterated Macron's stance and said international cooperation is needed to protect rainforests.

Trump calls Brazil President, offers assistance in tackling Amazon rainforest fires

Members of Brazil's Mura indigenous tribe painted their bodies with orange-red paint and took up longbows and clubs as they headed into the jungle this week, prepared for battle. Their enemy? The deforestation and destruction of their home, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-across-latin-america-against-bolsonaros-handling-of-amazon-245249">Amazon rainforest</a>.

There are more than 18,000 Mura that live in Amazonas state, the largest and best-preserved state in Brazil's Amazon rainforest, according to data compiled by the non-government organization Instituto Socioambiental.

Members of the tribe showed Reuters an area the size of several football fields near their village, where the forest had been cleared away, leaving a broad dirt hole in the ground pockmarked by the treads of heavy machinery.

"With each passing day, we see the destruction advance: deforestation, invasion, logging," said Handerch Wakana Mura, one of several leaders of a tribal clan of more than 60 people.

"We are sad because the forest is dying at every moment. We feel the climate changing and the world needs the forest."

Indeed, Amazon deforestation has surged 67% in the first seven months of the year from the same period a year ago, according to Brazil space research agency INPE.

This week, the agency said forest fires were up more than 80% in the country year-to-date, hitting their highest point since at least 2013.

Everywhere in the region around the Mura village, pockets of fire were raging.

Environmentalists blame right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, who has called for the development of protected reserves and railed against environmental fines, emboldening loggers and farmers who seek to clear the land, sometimes by setting fires.

Indeed, the clan has not been able to stop the loggers. Deforestation in the area began four years ago, and only last year did authorities chase out loggers and those extracting rocks to build a nearby roadway.

Logging subsequently jumped across the roadway, with a huge area of downed trees visible by drone.

When that abated, the Mura came upon a path through the jungle nearby that had recently been hewn with chainsaws and machetes - a logging path and the first sign of a new area that would be targeted.

This time, the path runs particularly close to a group of Brazil nut trees the clan harvests, a major traditional food source for indigenous people in the area, Handerch Wakana Mura and other tribal leaders say.

The Mura clan plans to fight against loggers and others exploiting the land by filing complaints with the country's environmental enforcement agency and public prosecutors.

They have struggled for nearly 20 years to have the land around their village demarcated as an official indigenous reserve, a move that would bring added protections, Handerch Wakana Mura said.

The clan says it will be a tough battle, with Bolsonaro having vowed not to set aside any more tribal land.

Leader Raimundo Praia Belem Mura, a 73-year-old who has lived on the land his entire life, has vowed to fight to the bitter end.

"For this forest, I will go on until my last drop of blood," he said. 
&nbsp;

Members of Brazil's Mura indigenous tribe painted their bodies with orange-red paint and took up longbows and clubs as they headed into the jungle this week, prepared for battle.

Members of Brazil's Mura indigenous tribe painted their bodies with orange-red paint and took up longbows and clubs as they headed into the jungle this week, prepared for battle. Their enemy? The deforestation and destruction of their home, the Amazon rainforest. There are more than 18,000 Mura that live in Amazonas state, the largest and best-preserved state in Brazil's Amazon rainforest, according to data compiled by the non-government organization Instituto Socioambiental. Members of the tribe showed Reuters an area the size of several football fields near their village, where the forest had been cleared away, leaving a broad dirt hole in the ground pockmarked by the treads of heavy machinery. "With each passing day, we see the destruction advance: deforestation, invasion, logging," said Handerch Wakana Mura, one of several leaders of a tribal clan of more than 60 people. "We are sad because the forest is dying at every moment. We feel the climate changing and the world needs the forest." Indeed, Amazon deforestation has surged 67% in the first seven months of the year from the same period a year ago, according to Brazil space research agency INPE. This week, the agency said forest fires were up more than 80% in the country year-to-date, hitting their highest point since at least 2013. Everywhere in the region around the Mura village, pockets of fire were raging. Environmentalists blame right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, who has called for the development of protected reserves and railed against environmental fines, emboldening loggers and farmers who seek to clear the land, sometimes by setting fires. Indeed, the clan has not been able to stop the loggers. Deforestation in the area began four years ago, and only last year did authorities chase out loggers and those extracting rocks to build a nearby roadway. Logging subsequently jumped across the roadway, with a huge area of downed trees visible by drone. When that abated, the Mura came upon a path through the jungle nearby that had recently been hewn with chainsaws and machetes - a logging path and the first sign of a new area that would be targeted. This time, the path runs particularly close to a group of Brazil nut trees the clan harvests, a major traditional food source for indigenous people in the area, Handerch Wakana Mura and other tribal leaders say. The Mura clan plans to fight against loggers and others exploiting the land by filing complaints with the country's environmental enforcement agency and public prosecutors. They have struggled for nearly 20 years to have the land around their village demarcated as an official indigenous reserve, a move that would bring added protections, Handerch Wakana Mura said. The clan says it will be a tough battle, with Bolsonaro having vowed not to set aside any more tribal land. Leader Raimundo Praia Belem Mura, a 73-year-old who has lived on the land his entire life, has vowed to fight to the bitter end. "For this forest, I will go on until my last drop of blood," he said.

Brazil's indigenous people swear to fight for Amazon 'to last drop of blood'

Amazon rainforests are burning and there is a lot of politics over it. Watch video to know more.

Amazon rainforests are burning and there is a lot of politics over it

he Amazon rainforest is being ravaged by flames. Soot from thousands of wildfires has blackened skies across Brazil, and the smoke is even visible from space.

Amazon rainforests are on fire; Destroying the lungs of the Earth

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said on Friday he is considering deploying the army to help combat fires in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-ireland-may-block-eu-mercosur-deal-over-amazon-fire-245087">Amazon rainforest</a>, amid growing international pressure over the wildfires.

The fires raging in parts of the world's largest rainforest have sparked protests around the world, ignited a war of words between Bolsonaro and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, and threatened a blockbuster trade deal with the European Union.

The latest official figures show 76,720 forest fires were recorded in Brazil so far this year - the highest number for any year since 2013. More than half are in the Amazon.

"The tendency is that," Bolsonaro told reporters in Brazil's capital Brasilia when asked if he was considering sending the army to fight the fires.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/amazons-mura-tribe-vows-to-protect-sacred-land-245065/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

A decision would be made Friday morning, he added.

Bolsonaro's remarks come as demonstrations are held around the world over the fires in the Amazon forest, a region considered the "lungs of the planet" and seen as crucial to keeping climate change in check.&nbsp;

Protests are planned in Brazil's major cities later on Friday.&nbsp;

In an escalating public row over the blazes, Macron on Friday accused Bolsonaro of lying to him on Brazil's stance on climate change.&nbsp;

France would now block a trade deal between the European Union and the South American trade bloc Mercosur, which includes Brazil, a French presidential official said.&nbsp;

Macron had tweeted Thursday that fires burning in the Amazon amount to an international crisis and should be discussed as a top priority when the G7 countries meet this weekend in France.

Bolsonaro then blasted Macron for having a "colonialist mentality."

Ireland also threatened to block the trade deal if Brazil failed to curb the fires, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Friday.

"The extent of the fires in the Amazon area is shocking and threatening and not only for Brazil and the other affected countries, but also for the whole world," German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman said Friday.

Environmental specialists say the fires have accompanied a rapid rate of deforestation in the Amazon region, which in July quadrupled compared to the same month in 2018, according to data from Brazil's National Institute for Space Research.

Bolsonaro instead attributes the fires to increased drought, and accuses environmental groups and NGOs of whipping up an "environmental psychosis" to harm Brazil's economic interests.

Neighboring Peru, which contains much of the Amazon basin, announced it was "on alert" for wildfires spreading from neighboring Brazil and Bolivia.

Paraguay and Bolivia are battling separate wildfires that have devastated large areas of their rainforests.

amj/ch

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said on Friday he is considering deploying the army to help combat fires in the Amazon rainforest, amid growing international pressure over the wildfires.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said on Friday he is considering deploying the army to help combat fires in the Amazon rainforest, amid growing international pressure over the wildfires. The fires raging in parts of the world's largest rainforest have sparked protests around the world, ignited a war of words between Bolsonaro and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, and threatened a blockbuster trade deal with the European Union. The latest official figures show 76,720 forest fires were recorded in Brazil so far this year - the highest number for any year since 2013. More than half are in the Amazon. "The tendency is that," Bolsonaro told reporters in Brazil's capital Brasilia when asked if he was considering sending the army to fight the fires. A decision would be made Friday morning, he added. Bolsonaro's remarks come as demonstrations are held around the world over the fires in the Amazon forest, a region considered the "lungs of the planet" and seen as crucial to keeping climate change in check. Protests are planned in Brazil's major cities later on Friday. In an escalating public row over the blazes, Macron on Friday accused Bolsonaro of lying to him on Brazil's stance on climate change. France would now block a trade deal between the European Union and the South American trade bloc Mercosur, which includes Brazil, a French presidential official said. Macron had tweeted Thursday that fires burning in the Amazon amount to an international crisis and should be discussed as a top priority when the G7 countries meet this weekend in France. Bolsonaro then blasted Macron for having a "colonialist mentality." Ireland also threatened to block the trade deal if Brazil failed to curb the fires, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Friday. "The extent of the fires in the Amazon area is shocking and threatening and not only for Brazil and the other affected countries, but also for the whole world," German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman said Friday. Environmental specialists say the fires have accompanied a rapid rate of deforestation in the Amazon region, which in July quadrupled compared to the same month in 2018, according to data from Brazil's National Institute for Space Research. Bolsonaro instead attributes the fires to increased drought, and accuses environmental groups and NGOs of whipping up an "environmental psychosis" to harm Brazil's economic interests. Neighboring Peru, which contains much of the Amazon basin, announced it was "on alert" for wildfires spreading from neighboring Brazil and Bolivia. Paraguay and Bolivia are battling separate wildfires that have devastated large areas of their rainforests. amj/ch

Brazil President Bolsonaro mulls deploying army to combat Amazon fires

Amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/akshay-kumar-alia-bhatt-and-other-b-town-stars-raise-their-voice-for-amazon-forest-fires-244855">growing international criticism</a> over the wildfires raging through the Amazon, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday admitted farmers could be illegally <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/forest-fires-in-brazil-surge-as-deforestation-accelerates-244571">setting the rainforest ablaze</a> but told foreign powers not to interfere.

French President Emmanuel Macron and United Nations Secretary General António Guterres both took to Twitter to express concern about the fires that have reached a record number this year, devastating vast swathes of forest considered a vital bulwark against climate change.

Bolsonaro responded angrily to what he regarded as meddling.

"These countries that send money here, they don`t send it out of charity. ... They send it with the aim of interfering with our sovereignty," he said in a Facebook Live broadcast.

But earlier on Thursday, he said that Brazil alone lacked the resources to control the fires.

"The Amazon is bigger than Europe, how will you fight criminal fires in such an area?" he asked reporters as he left the presidential residence. "We do not have the resources for that."

Fires in the Amazon have surged 83 per cent so far this year compared with the same period a year earlier, government figures show.&nbsp;

Although fires are a regular and natural occurrence during the dry season at this time of year, environmentalists blamed the sharp rise on farmers setting the forest alight to clear land for pasture.

Farmers may have had at least tacit encouragement from the firebrand right-wing president, who took power in January. Bolsonaro has repeatedly said he believes Brazil should open the Amazon up to business interests, to allow mining, agricultural and logging companies to exploit its natural resources.

On Wednesday, he blamed non-governmental organizations for setting the fires, without providing evidence. He appeared to row back on Thursday, when he said for the first time that farmers could be behind the fires.

Ad for "Fire day"

Macron took to Twitter to call the Amazon fires an "international crisis" that should be discussed by the G7 summit that will begin on Saturday in Biarritz, France. The Group of Seven rich countries does not include Brazil.

Guterres said he was "deeply concerned" by the fires, adding, "We cannot afford more damage to a major source of oxygen and biodiversity."&nbsp;

Federal prosecutors in Brazil said they were investigating a spike in deforestation and wildfires raging in the Amazon state of Pará to determine whether there has been reduced monitoring and enforcement of environmental protections.

Prosecutors said they would look into an ad that they said was published in a local newspaper encouraging farmers to participate in a "Fire Day," in which they would burn large areas of forest "to show Bolsonaro their willingness to work."&nbsp;

Colombia, home to part of the northern Amazon, on Thursday offered its support in the fight to protect the forest.

"Colombian authorities are already working to contain the propagation of these fires toward Colombian territory and we are willing to collaborate with our neighbours in this common cause," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Brazil is facing growing international criticism over its handling of the Amazon, 60% of which lies in the country.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Norway and Germany suspended funding for projects to curb deforestation in Brazil after becoming alarmed by changes to the way projects were selected under Bolsonaro.

At the time, when asked about the loss of German funding, Bolsonaro said, "Brazil does not need that."

Others were less sanguine.

Brazil`s lower house speaker, Rodrigo Maia, said on Twitter he would create "an external committee" to monitor the burning of the rainforest, and he vowed to form a group "to evaluate the situation and propose solutions to the government."&nbsp;

The Bishops Conference for Latin America expressed concern about the "tragedy," and on Thursday called on countries to take immediate action to protect the rainforest and nearby communities.

"We urge the governments of the Amazon countries, especially Brazil and Bolivia, the United Nations and the international community to take serious measures to save the world`s lungs," it said.

Wildfires are also raging in Bolivia, where officials estimate that an area the size of the US state of Delaware has burned in recent days.

Amid growing international criticism over the wildfires raging through the Amazon, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday admitted farmers could be illegally setting the rainforest ablaze but told foreign powers not to interfere.

Amid growing international criticism over the wildfires raging through the Amazon, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday admitted farmers could be illegally setting the rainforest ablaze but told foreign powers not to interfere. French President Emmanuel Macron and United Nations Secretary General António Guterres both took to Twitter to express concern about the fires that have reached a record number this year, devastating vast swathes of forest considered a vital bulwark against climate change. Bolsonaro responded angrily to what he regarded as meddling. "These countries that send money here, they don`t send it out of charity. ... They send it with the aim of interfering with our sovereignty," he said in a Facebook Live broadcast. But earlier on Thursday, he said that Brazil alone lacked the resources to control the fires. "The Amazon is bigger than Europe, how will you fight criminal fires in such an area?" he asked reporters as he left the presidential residence. "We do not have the resources for that." Fires in the Amazon have surged 83 per cent so far this year compared with the same period a year earlier, government figures show. Although fires are a regular and natural occurrence during the dry season at this time of year, environmentalists blamed the sharp rise on farmers setting the forest alight to clear land for pasture. Farmers may have had at least tacit encouragement from the firebrand right-wing president, who took power in January. Bolsonaro has repeatedly said he believes Brazil should open the Amazon up to business interests, to allow mining, agricultural and logging companies to exploit its natural resources. On Wednesday, he blamed non-governmental organizations for setting the fires, without providing evidence. He appeared to row back on Thursday, when he said for the first time that farmers could be behind the fires. Ad for "Fire day" Macron took to Twitter to call the Amazon fires an "international crisis" that should be discussed by the G7 summit that will begin on Saturday in Biarritz, France. The Group of Seven rich countries does not include Brazil. Guterres said he was "deeply concerned" by the fires, adding, "We cannot afford more damage to a major source of oxygen and biodiversity." Federal prosecutors in Brazil said they were investigating a spike in deforestation and wildfires raging in the Amazon state of Pará to determine whether there has been reduced monitoring and enforcement of environmental protections. Prosecutors said they would look into an ad that they said was published in a local newspaper encouraging farmers to participate in a "Fire Day," in which they would burn large areas of forest "to show Bolsonaro their willingness to work." Colombia, home to part of the northern Amazon, on Thursday offered its support in the fight to protect the forest. "Colombian authorities are already working to contain the propagation of these fires toward Colombian territory and we are willing to collaborate with our neighbours in this common cause," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Brazil is facing growing international criticism over its handling of the Amazon, 60% of which lies in the country. Earlier this month, Norway and Germany suspended funding for projects to curb deforestation in Brazil after becoming alarmed by changes to the way projects were selected under Bolsonaro. At the time, when asked about the loss of German funding, Bolsonaro said, "Brazil does not need that." Others were less sanguine. Brazil`s lower house speaker, Rodrigo Maia, said on Twitter he would create "an external committee" to monitor the burning of the rainforest, and he vowed to form a group "to evaluate the situation and propose solutions to the government." The Bishops Conference for Latin America expressed concern about the "tragedy," and on Thursday called on countries to take immediate action to protect the rainforest and nearby communities. "We urge the governments of the Amazon countries, especially Brazil and Bolivia, the United Nations and the international community to take serious measures to save the world`s lungs," it said. Wildfires are also raging in Bolivia, where officials estimate that an area the size of the US state of Delaware has burned in recent days.

As Amazon burns, Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro tells rest of world not to interfere

Amazon wildfires: How celebrities are spreading disinformation

Social media erupts as fire rages in Amazon rainforest

The head of US Southern Command says military officials are focusing on preparing for "the day after" Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro leaves power. Navy Adm. Craig Faller warned Monday against Venezuela's "formidable weapon system" and criticised Cuba, Russia and China for assisting Maduro.

Joint military exercises between Brazil and the US

Brazilian authorities ended on Tuesday a four-hour standoff with an armed man who hijacked a bus in Rio de Janeiro. Watch this video to know more.

Brazil: Passenger bus hijacker shot dead

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/united-states-announces-humanitarian-aid-to-afghanistan-worth-125-million-244429">United States announces humanitarian aid to Afghanistan worth $125 million</a> 
 
The funding will now take the overall US funding to Afghanistan to nearly $190 million this fiscal year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-bus-hijacker-shot-by-police-passengers-unhurt-244455">Brazil bus hijacker shot by police; passengers unhurt</a> 
 
At least 16 people were trapped on the bus after it was commandeered by the gunman on a heavily transited bridge connecting Rio with the neighbouring city of Niteroi.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-cries-foul-over-facebook-the-twitter-block-of-fake-accounts-244383">China cries foul after Facebook, Twitter block fake accounts linked to Hong Kong protests</a> 
 
Twitter Inc said on Monday it suspended 936 accounts and the operations appeared to be a coordinated state-backed effort originating in China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-says-us-missile-test-to-result-in-arms-race-to-jeopardize-global-security-244367">US missile test will result in arms race, seriously damage international security , warns China</a> 
 
On August 2, the Russian-US Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), which banned ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometres (310 to 3,417 miles), was terminated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-delhi-high-court-dismisses-p-chidambarams-bail-pleas-244365">No protection from arrest for P Chidambaram as Delhi High Court dismisses bail pleas</a>

The pleas have been opposed by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED).&nbsp;

United States announces humanitarian aid to Afghanistan worth $125 million The funding will now take the overall US funding to Afghanistan to nearly $190 million this fiscal year.

United States announces humanitarian aid to Afghanistan worth $125 million The funding will now take the overall US funding to Afghanistan to nearly $190 million this fiscal year. Brazil bus hijacker shot by police; passengers unhurt At least 16 people were trapped on the bus after it was commandeered by the gunman on a heavily transited bridge connecting Rio with the neighbouring city of Niteroi. China cries foul after Facebook, Twitter block fake accounts linked to Hong Kong protests Twitter Inc said on Monday it suspended 936 accounts and the operations appeared to be a coordinated state-backed effort originating in China. US missile test will result in arms race, seriously damage international security , warns China On August 2, the Russian-US Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), which banned ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometres (310 to 3,417 miles), was terminated. No protection from arrest for P Chidambaram as Delhi High Court dismisses bail pleas The pleas have been opposed by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Armed police surrounded a hijacked passenger bus in Rio de Janeiro early on Tuesday. Watch this video to know more.

Brazil: Passenger bus hijacked on Rio de Janeiro bridge

A gunman has been&nbsp;holding as many as 16 bus passengers hostage in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, officials said.

At least six people have been freed from the vehicle that was&nbsp;stopped on a bridge connecting Rio with neighbouring city Niteroi.

Heavily armed police have surrounded the bus as they started negotiating&nbsp;with the gunman, who G1 news reported is armed with a gun and gasoline.

The gunman reportedly boarded the bus at 5:30 am (0830 GMT) and began threatening passengers.&nbsp;

Traffic on the Rio-Niteroi bridge spanning Guanabara Bay has been paralysed during the ongoing hostage situation.

A gunman has been holding as many as 16 bus passengers hostage in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, officials said. At least six people have been freed from the vehicle that was stopped on a bridge connecting Rio with neighbouring city Niteroi.

A gunman has been holding as many as 16 bus passengers hostage in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, officials said. At least six people have been freed from the vehicle that was stopped on a bridge connecting Rio with neighbouring city Niteroi. Heavily armed police have surrounded the bus as they started negotiating with the gunman, who G1 news reported is armed with a gun and gasoline. The gunman reportedly boarded the bus at 5:30 am (0830 GMT) and began threatening passengers. Traffic on the Rio-Niteroi bridge spanning Guanabara Bay has been paralysed during the ongoing hostage situation.

Gunman in Brazil holds hostages in bus; police on alert

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-vows-to-fight-illegal-deforestation-in-brazil-240639">Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro</a> on Monday responded to Norway's decision to halt its forest protection subsidies, taking to Twitter to criticise the Scandinavian country for its whaling practice and post spectacular albeit misleading images.

"Look at the killing of whales sponsored by Norway," Bolsonaro wrote on Twitter.

The post includes a video and photographs of a spectacular whale hunt, where mammals in the shallow waters of a bay are slaughtered by people wading onshore, armed with hooked knives. The whales' blood turns the waters red.

However, the images, reportedly taken on May 29 in Norway, illustrate a "grind", a type of pilot whale hunt practised exclusively in the Faroe Islands a Danish territory in the North Atlantic.

Norway is one of the few countries in the world that authorises commercial whaling, but the whales are hunted individually, at sea from a ship, and with grenade-mounted harpoons.

"We can confirm that the video/the photos are not from Norway," the Norwegian fisheries ministry told AFP in an email.

"Our whale hunt takes place from ships at sea," he said, arguing that the Norwegian practice was "sustainable".&nbsp;

Bolsonaro was ridiculed on social media for the mix-up.

"Haha what a stupid president Brazil has! This is NOT from Norway! We don't kill whales like that. Do your homework to get respected! 'Fake news' as Trump would have said," wrote one Twitter user.

"False information is a crime Mr President," wrote another.

Bolsonaro has been taking digs at Norway since the country announced last week that it, like Germany, was blocking 30 million euros ($33 million) of subsidies to Brazil, accusing it of turning its back on the fight against deforestation.

Norway has been the single largest donor to the Amazon Fund for forest protection, giving almost 830 million euros since its creation 11 years ago.&nbsp;

Oslo said Brazil, under Bolsonaro's leadership, "no longer wishes to stop deforestation" and said it unilaterally "broke the agreement" it had on the Amazon Fund.

Bolsonaro reacted immediately and angrily.

"Norway, isn't that the country that kills whales up there, at the North Pole? And that produces oil too? That is not at all a role model for us. Let them keep their money and let them help Angela Merkel reforest Germany," he said. 
&nbsp;

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday responded to Norway's decision to halt its forest protection subsidies, taking to Twitter to criticise the Scandinavian country for its whaling practice and post spectacular albeit misleading images.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday responded to Norway's decision to halt its forest protection subsidies, taking to Twitter to criticise the Scandinavian country for its whaling practice and post spectacular albeit misleading images. "Look at the killing of whales sponsored by Norway," Bolsonaro wrote on Twitter. The post includes a video and photographs of a spectacular whale hunt, where mammals in the shallow waters of a bay are slaughtered by people wading onshore, armed with hooked knives. The whales' blood turns the waters red. However, the images, reportedly taken on May 29 in Norway, illustrate a "grind", a type of pilot whale hunt practised exclusively in the Faroe Islands a Danish territory in the North Atlantic. Norway is one of the few countries in the world that authorises commercial whaling, but the whales are hunted individually, at sea from a ship, and with grenade-mounted harpoons. "We can confirm that the video/the photos are not from Norway," the Norwegian fisheries ministry told AFP in an email. "Our whale hunt takes place from ships at sea," he said, arguing that the Norwegian practice was "sustainable". Bolsonaro was ridiculed on social media for the mix-up. "Haha what a stupid president Brazil has! This is NOT from Norway! We don't kill whales like that. Do your homework to get respected! 'Fake news' as Trump would have said," wrote one Twitter user. "False information is a crime Mr President," wrote another. Bolsonaro has been taking digs at Norway since the country announced last week that it, like Germany, was blocking 30 million euros ($33 million) of subsidies to Brazil, accusing it of turning its back on the fight against deforestation. Norway has been the single largest donor to the Amazon Fund for forest protection, giving almost 830 million euros since its creation 11 years ago. Oslo said Brazil, under Bolsonaro's leadership, "no longer wishes to stop deforestation" and said it unilaterally "broke the agreement" it had on the Amazon Fund. Bolsonaro reacted immediately and angrily. "Norway, isn't that the country that kills whales up there, at the North Pole? And that produces oil too? That is not at all a role model for us. Let them keep their money and let them help Angela Merkel reforest Germany," he said.

Brazil President Bolsonaro takes on Norway over whaling but bungles it

Thousands of tribal women decorated with feathers and body paint marched on Brazil's capital Tuesday denouncing the "genocidal policies" of President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces growing criticism over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-vows-to-fight-illegal-deforestation-in-brazil-240639">destruction of the Amazon</a>.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poop-less-for-a-cleaner-planet-says-brazils-president-jair-bolsonaro-241912">Far-right Bolsonaro</a> wants to develop the rainforest -- seen as vital to combatting climate change -- by allowing more mining and farming in the region.

The latest official figures show a sharp increase in deforestation in recent months compared with a year earlier. Activists blame the rise on Bolsonaro's anti-environment rhetoric.&nbsp;

But Bolsonaro has dismissed the data as lies and sacked the head of the government agency tasked with tracking tree clearing.&nbsp;

Carrying bows, arrows and spears, the indigenous women advanced on Congress in Brasilia carrying a large banner that said "Resist to exist" as they demanded greater protection of their land.&nbsp;

"Bolsonaro wants to wipe out our lands, our ethnicities," Potira Guajajara, a 22-year-old student from the northeastern state of Maranhao, told AFP.

"There have been many invasions of our lands by hunters and gold miners."&nbsp;

Brazil's government has demarcated hundreds of territories since the 1980s for the exclusive use of its 800,000 indigenous inhabitants. Access by outsiders is strictly regulated.

Bolsonaro opposes demarcating more land, claiming indigenous people already live "like a zoo animal."

Elected last year with support from the powerful agriculture lobby, Bolsonaro has pledged to combat illegal deforestation.&nbsp;

While the government admits clearing has increased, it insists it is not as great as indicated by the National Institute for Space Research. 
&nbsp;

Thousands of tribal women decorated with feathers and body paint marched on Brazil's capital Tuesday denouncing the "genocidal policies" of President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces growing criticism over destruction of the Amazon.

Thousands of tribal women decorated with feathers and body paint marched on Brazil's capital Tuesday denouncing the "genocidal policies" of President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces growing criticism over destruction of the Amazon. Far-right Bolsonaro wants to develop the rainforest -- seen as vital to combatting climate change -- by allowing more mining and farming in the region. The latest official figures show a sharp increase in deforestation in recent months compared with a year earlier. Activists blame the rise on Bolsonaro's anti-environment rhetoric. But Bolsonaro has dismissed the data as lies and sacked the head of the government agency tasked with tracking tree clearing. Carrying bows, arrows and spears, the indigenous women advanced on Congress in Brasilia carrying a large banner that said "Resist to exist" as they demanded greater protection of their land. "Bolsonaro wants to wipe out our lands, our ethnicities," Potira Guajajara, a 22-year-old student from the northeastern state of Maranhao, told AFP. "There have been many invasions of our lands by hunters and gold miners." Brazil's government has demarcated hundreds of territories since the 1980s for the exclusive use of its 800,000 indigenous inhabitants. Access by outsiders is strictly regulated. Bolsonaro opposes demarcating more land, claiming indigenous people already live "like a zoo animal." Elected last year with support from the powerful agriculture lobby, Bolsonaro has pledged to combat illegal deforestation. While the government admits clearing has increased, it insists it is not as great as indicated by the National Institute for Space Research.

Brazil tribal women protest Bolsonaro's 'genocidal policies'

Brazil's environment minister said on Tuesday data showing surging deforestation in the Amazon was "sensationalist," as the government faces scrutiny over the destruction of the rainforest seen as vital to combating climate change.

Around 2,254 square kilometres (870 square miles) of the Amazon were cleared in July, an increase of 278 per cent from a year ago, according to the embattled National Institute for Space Research (INPE).

That follows a 90 per cent increase in June compared to the year prior -- figures far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has called "lies" and which prompted Friday's sacking of INPE chief Ricardo Galvao.&nbsp;

The rapid rise in deforestation has triggered a global outcry and threatens to create problems for the recent free trade agreement between the South American Mercosur trade bloc, which includes Brazil and the European Union.

The Amazon is vital to the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere -- a check on global warming.

But Environment Minister Ricardo Salles said Wednesday that the INPE data was published in a way that satisfied "sensationalist interpretations" and was aimed at getting "more donations from foreign NGOs".&nbsp;

While the government admits deforestation has increased, it insists it is not as great as indicated by INPE, an agency of international repute.

The government's rejection of the figures and sacking of Galvao, who has been replaced by a military official, has angered environmental groups. &nbsp;

"The government is fighting with the numbers, trying to change the reality of what is happening in the forest," said Carlos Rittl, director of the Brazilian Climate Observatory.&nbsp;

Since taking power in January, Bolsonaro has been accused of harming the Amazon and indigenous tribes in order to benefit his supporters in the logging, mining and farming industries.

The front cover of last week's Economist magazine declared "Deathwatch for the Amazon," warning the forest was "perilously close to a tipping point."

European leaders have been vocal in their criticism of the government's environmental policies.&nbsp;

But Salles said he would show "what Brazil really is" when he tours Europe in September. He said the government has a "feasible plan" to fight deforestation. 
&nbsp;

Brazil's environment minister said on Tuesday data showing surging deforestation in the Amazon was "sensationalist," as the government faces scrutiny over the destruction of the rainforest seen as vital to combating climate change.

Brazil's environment minister said on Tuesday data showing surging deforestation in the Amazon was "sensationalist," as the government faces scrutiny over the destruction of the rainforest seen as vital to combating climate change. Around 2,254 square kilometres (870 square miles) of the Amazon were cleared in July, an increase of 278 per cent from a year ago, according to the embattled National Institute for Space Research (INPE). That follows a 90 per cent increase in June compared to the year prior -- figures far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has called "lies" and which prompted Friday's sacking of INPE chief Ricardo Galvao. The rapid rise in deforestation has triggered a global outcry and threatens to create problems for the recent free trade agreement between the South American Mercosur trade bloc, which includes Brazil and the European Union. The Amazon is vital to the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere -- a check on global warming. But Environment Minister Ricardo Salles said Wednesday that the INPE data was published in a way that satisfied "sensationalist interpretations" and was aimed at getting "more donations from foreign NGOs". While the government admits deforestation has increased, it insists it is not as great as indicated by INPE, an agency of international repute. The government's rejection of the figures and sacking of Galvao, who has been replaced by a military official, has angered environmental groups. "The government is fighting with the numbers, trying to change the reality of what is happening in the forest," said Carlos Rittl, director of the Brazilian Climate Observatory. Since taking power in January, Bolsonaro has been accused of harming the Amazon and indigenous tribes in order to benefit his supporters in the logging, mining and farming industries. The front cover of last week's Economist magazine declared "Deathwatch for the Amazon," warning the forest was "perilously close to a tipping point." European leaders have been vocal in their criticism of the government's environmental policies. But Salles said he would show "what Brazil really is" when he tours Europe in September. He said the government has a "feasible plan" to fight deforestation.

Brazil government slams 'sensationalist' deforestation data

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