Smoke from Brazil fire cloud major cities | WION Climate Tracker | English News | WION

Summary

Intense wildfires in the Amazon rainforest are severely affecting air quality in major Brazilian cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, with smoke spreading to neighboring Argentina and Uruguay. The fine particle levels in São Paulo are 14 times higher than recommended by the WHO, causing significant health issues for residents. The situation is worsened by a severe drought, attributed to climate change, leading to a near doubling of wildfires in the Amazon compared to the previous year. As the air becomes increasingly polluted, residents struggle with breathing difficulties and ongoing health concerns.

Takeaways

• 🔥 Intense wildfires in the Amazon and Brazil are affecting major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
• 🌎 Smoke from these fires is spreading to neighboring countries, including Argentina and Uruguay.
• 💨 Research indicates that 60% of Brazil has been impacted by smoke, making São Paulo one of the most polluted cities globally.
• 📊 The concentration of fine particles in São Paulo's air is 69 micrograms per cubic meter, nearly 14 times higher than the WHO's recommended limit.
• 😷 Residents report severe respiratory issues due to the polluted air, including dry throats and difficulty speaking.
• 🌧️ The ongoing drought, the worst in 70 years, is exacerbating the situation and is linked to climate change.
• 🔥 The number of fires in the Amazon has almost doubled compared to the same period in 2023.
• 🌀 Thick smoke clouds are visible in satellite images, affecting air quality across the continent.
• 😩 People are struggling with sleep and health issues due to the persistent pollution and dry air.
• 🔍 Experts emphasize that human actions, particularly agricultural practices, are primarily responsible for the recent increase in wildfires.

Q & A

What regions are primarily affected by the wildfires mentioned in the transcript?

The wildfires are primarily affecting the Amazon rainforest and other parts of Brazil, impacting major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

What percentage of Brazil has been affected by smoke from the wildfires?

According to researchers at the National Institute for Space Research, 60% of Brazil has been affected by smoke from the wildfires.

How has the smoke from Brazil's wildfires affected neighboring countries?

Smoke from Brazil's wildfires has also impacted parts of neighboring countries such as Argentina and Uruguay.

What is the level of air pollution in São Paulo compared to World Health Organization guidelines?

In São Paulo, the rate of fine particles in the air is measured at 69 micrograms per cubic meter, which is almost 14 times higher than the limit recommended by the World Health Organization.

What are some of the health effects reported by residents due to the smoke?

Residents have reported difficulty breathing, dry mouths and throats, and persistent coughs that seem difficult to alleviate.

What is causing the increase in wildfires in Brazil this year?

Authorities attribute most of the recent fires in Brazil to human actions, often linked to agricultural activities, and exacerbated by the worst drought in seven decades.

How has climate change contributed to the current wildfire situation?

Experts attribute the severe drought conditions in Brazil, which are contributing to the wildfires, to climate change.

What recent data is mentioned regarding the number of fires in the Amazon?

Data from INPE indicates that the number of fires in the Amazon since the beginning of the year has nearly doubled compared to the same period in 2023.

What specific health challenges are residents facing due to the ongoing pollution?

Residents are facing complications in breathing, sleeping, and overall health, with many reporting persistent coughs and concerns about the long-term impacts of the pollution.

How has the drought influenced the wildfires and air quality?

The drought is causing many wildfires, which in turn increases air pollution with fine particles, worsening the air quality and the health issues faced by residents.