Amazon rainforest faces its most severe fire season in over 20 years — releasing 791 million tons of CO₂

A study published in the journal Biogeosciences reveals that the Amazon rainforest is experiencing its worst wildfire season in more than two decades, emitting over 791 million tons of carbon dioxide — exceeding emissions from the first major deforestation events in history.

Last year alone, fires destroyed more than 3.2 million hectares (20 million rai) of forest. The main causes include extreme drought, intentional burning, and poor land management, which have pushed Brazil’s greenhouse gas emissions to record highs.

Researchers warn that urgent global cooperation is needed — especially through partnerships with local and Indigenous communities — to halt the degradation of the planet’s “lungs” before it’s too late.