Brazil is facing a drought that has lasted for more than a year, warns Suely Araújo, former president of Ibama and current coordinator of Public Policies at the Climate Observatory. In an interview with WW from CNN Brasil, the specialist highlighted the serious impacts of this prolonged climate condition in the country.
According to Araújo, the drought began to intensify in June 2023, when there was an increase in temperatures and a significant decrease in humidity. The subsequent period, which would normally be rainy, did not bring sufficient precipitation, resulting in a drought situation in a large part of the Brazilian states.
Impact on vegetation and fire risk
The expert emphasizes that this climate condition makes the vegetation drier and more sensitive, considerably increasing the risk of fires. “With the situation we have today, with the drought we have, any fire spreads and becomes a wildfire,” warns Araújo.
The current situation is described as a “tragedy,” with the country engulfed in fires and smoke. Araújo points out that, although climate change is clearly affecting the country, the problem goes beyond that, also involving issues of local degradation and lack of government control at different levels of government.
Agricultural legislation and practices
The former president of Ibama points out that Brazil has had legislation on the use of fire for 90 years, since the 1934 Forest Code. The rules require authorization from the competent bodies for practices involving burning, especially in agricultural activities. However, Araújo highlights that this is “the most disregarded rule in the country”.
The current situation demands increased attention and effective control and prevention measures. The complex scenario involves elements of climate change, local environmental degradation and the need for more efficient management by the different spheres of government to mitigate the risks and impacts of fires in the national territory.
This content was originally published in Brazil has been experiencing a drought for over a year, says former president of Ibama on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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