Fishing guide Amilton Brandao said the Pantanal wetlands in Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul state should be flooded at this time of year. Instead, they're being ravaged by fires, part of a startling and dramatic increase from the previous year.

State of Mato Grosso do Sul

Extreme weather events are occurring more frequently amid rising sea-levels and increasing temperatures.

Climate Crisis

Fires are ravaging the world's largest wetlands in Brazil. 

Brazil's wetland fires

Fishing guide Amilton Brandao has provided a stark depiction of the Pantanal wetlands in Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul state, which are currently being ravaged by fires. Brandao notes that this region, typically expected to be flooded, is now dry and resembles a desert. The Pantanal, recognized as the largest wetland in the world, is facing unprecedented fire incidents.

Brandao, assisting farmer Clayton Jose, describes the desperate efforts to save cattle, which include navigating the wetlands by horse. The fires have led to a dramatic 980% increase in incidents compared to the previous year, according to satellite data from Brazil's National Institute for Space Research. This alarming increase comes as the region approaches its peak wildfire season.

Brandao also highlights other environmental crises in the country, mentioning devastating flooding in Rio Grande do Sul. He expresses profound sadness over the potential loss of such a vital ecosystem, remarking on the significant biodiversity being threatened by the ongoing fires.



Largest wetlands in the world are on fire

Fishing guide Emil-Thom Brando is walking on what he says should be flooded land. Instead, it's dry to a crisp. Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul state, home to the Pantanal wetlands, is being ravaged by fires. EMIL-THOM BRANDO, Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul State, Fire Survivor Translator, Speaking Portuguese EMIL-THOM BRANDO, Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul State, Fire Survivor Translator, Speaking Portuguese EMIL-THOM BRANDO, Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul State, Fire Survivor Translator, Speaking Portuguese Pantanal was supposed to be flooded at this time. It's known as the largest wetland in the world. And now we see it here. It's like a desert, an inferno, fire everywhere. With a wall of smoke choking off the other side of the field, Brando helps farmer Clayton Jose save his cattle. The ranch is accessible by boat, but the area where the cattle are stuck can only be navigated by horse due to the nature of the wetlands. We're trying to take them to the other side of the bay, so they have a better chance of surviving. The way the fire is coming, it could surround them, and they could burn to death. There was a 980% increase in the number of fires in the Pantanal through June 5th, compared with the same period last year. That's according to satellite data from Brazil's National Institute for Space Research. Those figures are raising alarm bells as the region heads into the riskiest season for wildfires, which usually starts in July and peaks in August and September. Brando says the country is in reverse, pointing to Rio Grande do Sul, which has experienced devastating flooding. It's just sadness, sadness to see a sanctuary like this coming to an end. So much life ends along with the flames.

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Jerusalem

Middle East Conflict

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Kyiv

Ukraine Invasion

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Tel Aviv-Yafo

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Washington

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Center Point

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Texas

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Los Angeles

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Kerr County

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