Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (AFP) – Brazil recorded 13,489 wildfires in the first half of the year in the Amazon, the worst figure in 20 years, satellite data revealed Monday.

The total was up 61 percent as compared with the same period last year — an increase that experts say is the result of a historic drought that struck the world’s largest tropical rainforest last year.

lg/sst/des

© Agence France-Presse

Featured image credit: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service | Public Domain (Note: “The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.”)

Climate change could force Bangkok to move, official warnsClimateNews

Climate change could force Bangkok to move, official warns

By Sara HUSSEIN | AFP Bangkok, Thailand (UPDATED) - Thailand may have to consider relocating its capital Bangkok because of rising sea levels, a senior…
SourceSourceMay 16, 2024 Full article
Image: Map of Australia, gold glitter map on dark background
Australia unveils budget aimed at becoming ‘renewable superpower’News

Australia unveils budget aimed at becoming ‘renewable superpower’

Canberra, Australia | AFP Australia touted plans to become a "renewable energy superpower" in an annual budget Tuesday, but the government's books also laid bare…
SourceSourceMay 14, 2024 Full article
Image: drought, EU, dry soil
Almost half of Europe and Mediterranean basin hit by droughtNews

Almost half of Europe and Mediterranean basin hit by drought

Paris, France | AFP Europe and the Mediterranean basin has been hit by a long-lasting drought covering over 45 percent of the region since mid-March, according…
SourceSourceJuly 8, 2025 Full article