WWF Statement on Brazilian Amazon Forest Fires

In reaction to the fires burning in the Brazilian Amazon, Kerry Cesareo, senior vice president, forests at World Wildlife Fund said:

“The out of control forest fires in Brazil are devastating, but not surprising. Extremely dry conditions and continual deforestation have led to an increase in fires in the region this year – up 78% compared to what we saw during the same period in 2018. These fires are destroying ecosystems, displacing wildlife, and jeopardizing the livelihoods of millions.

Conserving the Amazon, and other areas like it, is essential to conserving our planet. As one of the world’s most iconic forests burns, it’s absolutely critical to consider how we are using this valuable resource and work to prevent the kind of disaster we are seeing today. That means deliberate conservation strategies that end deforestation and mitigate and adapt to climate change.”


*Increase in forest fires by 78 % as of August 25, 2019 - the stat continues to change daily.