nderstanding Brazil's catastrophic fires: Causes, consequences and policy needed to prevent future tragedie

Author(s):Show less -

Pivello, Vania R. ^[1] ; Vieira, Ima ^[2] ; Christianini, V, Alexander ; Ribeiro, Danilo Bandini ^[3] ; Menezes, Luciana da Silva ^[4] ; Berlinck, Christian Niel ^[5] ; Melo, Felipe P. L. ^[6] ; Marengo, Jose Antonio ^[7] ; Tornquist, Carlos Gustavo ^[8] ; Tomas, Walfrido Moraes ^[9] ; Overbeck, Gerhard E. ^[4]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Ecol, Rua Matao Travessa 14, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi, Av Governador Magalhaes Barata 376, BR-66040170 Belem, Para - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Mato Grosso do Sul UFMS, Inst Biociencias, Av Costa & Silva S-N, BR-79070900 Campo Grande, MS - Brazil

^[4] Univ Fed Rio Grande do Sul UFRGS, Inst Biociencias, Dept Bot, Av Bento Goncalves 9500, BR-91501970 Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil

^[5] Ctr Nacl Pesquisa & Conservacao Mamiferos Carnivo, Inst Chico Mendes Conservacao Biodiversidade ICMB, Estr Municipal Hisaichi Takebayashi 8600, BR-12952011 Atibaia, SP - Brazil

^[6] Univ Fed Pernambuco UFPE, Ctr Biociencias, Av Prof Moraes Rego S-N, BR-50670901 Recife, PE - Brazil

^[7] CEMADEN, Ctr Nacl Monitoramento & Alertas Desastres Nat, Rodovia Presidente Dutra Km 40, BR-12630000 Cachoeira Paulista, SP - Brazil

^[8] Univ Fed Rio Grande do Sul UFRGS, Fac Agron, Dept Solos, Av Bento Goncalves 7712, BR-91540000 Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil

^[9] EMBRAPA Pantanal, Lab Vida Selvagem, Rua 21 Setembro 1880, BR-79320900 Corumba, MS - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PERSPECTIVES IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION; v. 19, n. 3, p. 233-255, JUL-SEP 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 13

Abstract

Brazil has experienced unprecedented wildfires in the last decade. Images of immense burnt areas or dead animals that failed to escape the 2020 wildfires have shocked the world. To prevent or minimize further similar disasters we must understand the factors that have led to these catastrophic events. The causes and consequences of wildfires entail complex interactions between the biophysical and sociocultural spheres, and suitable management decisions require a sound scientific base. We present the recent panorama of increasing fire outbreaks in the Brazilian biomes, and discuss the causes that have contributed to such fires, their impacts on the environment and overall consequences for human well-being, based on reviewing the extensive specialist literature, on authors' expert knowledge and information provided by environmental managers, researchers and politicians during a workshop organized to debate the wildfire issue in Brazil. Our up-to-date review is aimed at the academic public, environmental managers and decision-and policy-makers. First, we present evidence on the contrasting effects of fire on different ecosystems. Second, we outline the historic perceptions and policies related to fire use and management in Brazil since its colonization to the present date. Third, we propose means to advance fire prevention and develop successful management strategies. Finally, we answer frequently asked questions to clarify and/or demystify some fire-related issues not always properly addressed in the media. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/50848-9 - INCT 2014: INCT for Climate Change
• Grantee: Jose Antonio Marengo Orsini
• Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Thematic Grants