Conflict Alerts # 667, 29 August 2024
Akriti Sharma In the news
On 24 August, two people were killed in Sao Paulo in raging wildfires and 50 cities in Brazil were put on high alert. The wildfires have been burning in Sao Paulo, Amazon, and Pantanal regions. Around 3,000 firefighters have been deployed to douse the fires. In three days, the economic loss caused by the wildfires reached USD 182 million in Sao Paulo.
On 25 August, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stated: “We have not detected any lightning-caused fires, which suggests that the fires in the Amazon, Pantanal, and São Paulo have been set by people." Brazil’s Environment Minister Marina Silva declared Brazil “at war” with fire after a surge in blazes from Amazon to Sao Paulo.
On 26 August, in Greece, Mount Pangaion raged with wildfires for the fifth consecutive day. A high risk of fire (category 4) was issued across several regions. The fires have consumed 1,200 hectares of land. Approximately, 280 firefighters are working to douse the fire with the assistance of four planes, four helicopters, and 46 vehicles. The Civil Protection and Climate Change Ministry of Greece issued a fire warning of category four in Attica, Central Greece, Peloponnese, Eastern Macedonia, and Thrace.
Issues at large
First, the natural and human causes. Natural wildfires occur due to extremely dry and hot weather conditions, lightning and thunderstorms, and climate change. Human-induced wildfires are caused by human errors or intentions. In Brazil, wildfires have been both human-induced and naturally caused. The authorities are investigating the triggers and three people have been arrested in Sao Paulo. The authorities are sceptical regarding the unusual simultaneous burning of fires across the regions. However, in the Pantanal region, the fires have been burning for weeks and are caused by extremely hot and dry weather conditions induced by climate change. In Greece, the wildfires have prolonged and have been caused by climate change and global warming.
Second, the increasing frequency and magnitude of wildfires across the world. Climate change has increased the frequency, intensity, and magnitude of wildfires globally. So far in 2024, regions including Amazon, Pantanal, Canada, Australia, California, and the Mediterranean have witnessed major wildfires leading to destruction of infrastructure and biodiversity. The wildfires are recurring in every region worldwide.
Third, the vicious loop of climate change. Climate change is the major cause of wildfires but, at the same time burning of vegetation and forests emits greenhouse gases that add to the emissions and pollution in the environment, making wildfires cause double damage.
Fourth, the management of wildfires. A prompt response to wildfires is a must and requires national to local level efforts. Countries are unprepared to manage large-magnitude fires and fall short of firefighters. In Brazil, human-induced fires are a matter of concern and require investigation into the intentions. In Greece, the authorities are ill-equipped to handle the wildfires and their impact on the infrastructure, pollution, and worsening health conditions.
In perspective
First, enhanced preparedness and response. With the increase in extreme weather events, countries need to level up their resources and capacity to effectively respond to wildfires that are difficult to contain due to their longevity.
Second, health impacts. Wildfires can lead to pollution and cause severe health problems. Countries require effective health advisories and responses to tackle the health impacts on the vulnerable population.
Third, enhanced climate action. The root cause of the problem needs to be addressed and climate action needs to be increased globally. Moreover, extreme weather events demand an effective adaptation. Countries should increase their investments in building enhanced climate adaptation strategies.