Amazon Rainforest Fires Reach 14-Year High in August

Record drought and human actions drive surge in fire hotspots, impacting Brazil's largest cities and beyond.

August saw 38,266 fire hotspots in the Amazon, the highest since 2010.
Late, weak rains and El Nino, intensified by climate change, left the region vulnerable.
Fires are primarily starting on cattle ranches and spreading rapidly due to dry conditions.
Deforestation has diminished the rainforest's ability to generate rain and humidity.
Smoke from the fires is affecting major cities like Sao Paulo and potentially neighboring countries.