The image you see above is one of desperation—Indigenous peoples in remote areas of Brazil repurposing small pumps used in agriculture by filling them with water and spraying sections of land to put out fires. It’s dangerous and obviously not as powerful as what’s needed, but due to limited resources and the sheer volume of wildfires currently burning (over 50,000), it’s the best they can do.
How did this happen?
To start, the country is experiencing the worst drought in 40 years. The deforestation brought on by farmland development has resulted in a reduction of rainfall, which offset the ecosystem and dried out the earth. This has led to a vicious cycle of wildfires — over 180,000 have happened in 2024 alone. 30 million acres of uniquely biodiverse forests are gone as a result.
Though many of the fires are brought on by natural forces, Brazil also contends with the problem of arson, as Reuters reported last month.
Who are impacted?
Aside from the long-term global impacts of losing essential rainforest biodiversity, the entire country and neighboring countries like Bolivia and Ecuador are experiencing instant distress from these fires. In some cases, evacuations and school closures have been necessary. Other reports include illness due to burns, smoke inhalation and sadly, even death—for both humans and wildlife.
They are also losing infrastructure such as homes, schools and medical facilities vital to the communities they serve.
What can we do?
Our partners at Amazon Conservation Team, have a plan to swiftly rebuild essential structures in the aftermath of the fire, specifically to aid the Awa of Bananal Island in the state of Tocatins, and the Wauja in the Xingu region of Mato Grosso state.
We have chosen to allocate our Education & Health grant award for 2024 to this relief project. All of the funds generated by members of The Pulse and all one-time donations to that area of giving will be allocated toward this effort, but more donations are needed to complete the work. Our new campaign, “Build Back Brazilian Communities” aims to raise $15,000 to help ACT reach their fundraising goal. Please open your hearts and consider a donation today.
This campaign will run through the last week of December, 2024, so we can expedite funds to our partners as they begin relief efforts.
Photos courtesy of Amazon Conservation Team.
