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.”)

Graphic news (s. climate, science, research, scientists. emission targets, floods, environment)
As toll crosses 100, Trump puts Hurricane Helene at election center stageNews

As toll crosses 100, Trump puts Hurricane Helene at election center stage

By John Falchetto | AFP Valdosta, United States - Donald Trump sought to turn a storm that killed more than 100 people and caused destructive…
SourceSourceOctober 1, 2024 Full article
Image: Fieldwork in Svalbard
Arctic peatlands spreading northward as temperatures riseClimate

Arctic peatlands spreading northward as temperatures rise

Warming temperatures and longer growing seasons are driving the outward spread of Arctic peatlands, raising hopes for increased carbon storage, but also concerns about long-term…
SourceSourceJune 19, 2025 Full article
3D globe graphic (s. climate, flood, water)
Desperate search for the missing as more than 80 people dead in Texas floodsNews

Desperate search for the missing as more than 80 people dead in Texas floods

Hunt, United States | AFP | Muser NewsDesk Rescuers in Texas raced against time to find dozens of missing people, including children, swept away by flash…
SourceSourceJuly 7, 2025 Full article