Although wildfires in the Amazon are not uncommon, the rainforest has been on fire for more than a month. According to the BBC, there are more than 2,500 active fires in the Amazon. Neighboring countries, including Argentina, are able to see the smoke on windy days. In addition, the fires are so abundant that the smoke is visible from space. To make matters worse, it is unclear whether Brazil will accept the $22 million (W26.6 billion) in aid pledged by several world leaders. Initially, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro adamantly rejected this offer, but he seems to have accepted $12 million (W14.5 billion) from the United Kingdom. According to The Washington Post, these donations are symbolic and an expression of global concern. In other words, it will take far more money to put these fires out. So, what caused these fires? Experts aren’t able to single out anyone in particular. However, most fires in the Amazon are started by people, including cattle grazers, loggers, and soybean growers. Deforestation is rampant in the region to make room for mining as well. The Amazon is home to many plants, animals, and indigenous groups. It also helps mitigate climate change by soaking up carbon dioxide and producing oxygen.
Chris Hong Copy Editor
1. According to the BBC, how many active fires are there in the Amazon?
2. How much money did the UK give Brazil?
3. What caused these fires?
1. Do you think the fires will be put out soon?
2. What are some reasons why the Amazon is important?
3. Why do you think Brazil's president rejected money from other leaders?
4. Do you think there will be more fires in the Amazon in the future?
Although wildfires in the Amazon are not uncommon, the rainforest has been on fire for more than a month. According to the BBC, there are more than 2,500 active fires in the Amazon. Neighboring countries, including Argentina, are able to see the smoke on windy days. In addition, the fires are so abundant that the smoke is visible from space.
