The fires raging at the Amazon rainforest this past three weeks have put the region in the news once again. According to the news, about 9,500 fires are occurring right now across the Amazon. The public is alarmed since the fires in the Amazon are killing the trees and wildlife in the area. Moreover, the forest fires contribute to the higher levels of emission of greenhouse gas destroying the ozone layer.

The Amazon rainforest covers an area of 6,000,000 square km. or 2,300,000 square miles. The tropical rainforest is the most biologically different and richest reservoir in the world, containing a variety of flora and fauna, many of which are not yet on record. The consistent high temperatures, high humidity and high rainfall in the rainforest contribute to its continuity and extent.

Effects on the Environment

It is said that over 20% of the oxygen in the world comes from the Amazon rainforest. This means that fires in the Amazon has a worldwide effect. Generally, tropical rainforests are cited as "lungs of the planet" due to their ability to release more oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. Under normal conditions, carbon dioxide is needed for plant fertilization. Therefore, if there is carbon monoxide, more plants will grow in the rainforests, which in turn will be able to release more oxygen. However, if the balance is tipped, it could have adverse effects.

Deforestation has a direct effect on global warming. If more trees are lost, the oxygen level the trees release will decrease, saturating the rainforest with carbon monoxide. Using the theory of supply and demand, if there is an oversupply of carbon monoxide which cannot be used by the rainforests, the gas will be released into the air again. This is why the tropical rainforests such as the Amazon are essential to Mother Earth.

Climate stability depends on the ecosystem of large and dense rainforests such as the Amazon, which is the largest rainforest in the world. Reforestation can be done. However, it would take several centuries for a denuded rainforest to return to its original state. Thus, what is happening in the Amazon is alarming many concerned organizations, scientists, environmentalists and people around the world.

Source: What's Happening in the Amazon Rainforest and How You Can Help

Image Source: Global News

Does it mean that the fire cannot be put off? What is the method that could be used to either put it on check or to outrightly put it off?

Thought the fire has been put off

vikkimimi:
Thought the fire has been put off

No, it hasn't. Infact there is a new political twist to it, involving the Brazilian President who is accused of being in the know,

Apparently, Jair Bolsonaro the president of Brazil,had vowed to eliminate all protected areas in the Amazon and open them up for business. Often referred to as the Trump of the Tropics, Bolsonaro doesn’t believe in climate change and he sees the Amazon as Brazil’s cash cow (pun intended). He sees the demand for Brazilian beef and stops at nothing to make sure that the demand is met with adequate supply. He wants to open up the Amazon for mining and agribusiness, he says he’s going to pardon people charged with fines of deforestation. He thinks Brazil doesn’t owe the world anything when it comes to environmental protection.

Is this the first time fires have broken out in the Amazon.
Or is this this the first time Brazil elected a right wing nationalist ( which is a crime??) President.

See the way these white people are endangering humans all over the world they started with their industrialization now they want to blame it on the depletion of the amazon.

Kai