Comparing the Scale: Amazonas Burnt Area vs. 2018 California Wildfires

Comparing the area burned in the Amazon with the 2018 California wildfires

Introduction.

The Amazon rainforest and the forests of California are two ecologically significant regions that have experienced devastating wildfires in recent years. Often referred to as the “lungs of the earth,” the Amazon rainforest plays a critical role in regulating the global climate and supporting a vast array of biodiversity. California’s forests, on the other hand, are home to diverse ecosystems and are critical for water supply, carbon sequestration, and wildlife habitat. In this article, we compare the extent of the area burned in the Amazon to the 2018 California wildfires, shedding light on the scale and impact of these ecological disasters.

Extent of the Amazon wildfires

The Amazon rainforest, located primarily in the Brazilian state of Amazonas, has experienced a significant increase in forest fires in recent years. While wildfires are a natural occurrence in the Amazon during the dry season, the scale and intensity of the fires have raised concerns worldwide. In 2019, the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) reported a staggering 89,178 wildfires in Brazil, with nearly half of them occurring in the Amazon region.

However, it is important to note that the area burned by Amazonian wildfires is not easily comparable to California wildfires due to several factors. The Amazon Rainforest covers an enormous area of approximately 5.5 million square kilometers, making it the largest tropical rainforest in the world. Wildfires in the Amazon typically spread over large areas, affecting multiple ecosystems within the rainforest. As a result, quantifying the exact area burned in Amazonas can be challenging, taking into account factors such as vegetation type, fire behavior, and the ability to accurately detect and measure the fires.

The 2018 California Wildfires

The 2018 California wildfires were a series of devastating wildfires that ravaged the state, particularly in the northern and southern regions. The fires, fueled by a combination of dry conditions, high winds, and the presence of flammable vegetation, resulted in widespread destruction of forests, homes, and infrastructure. The two most prominent fires of the year were the Camp Fire in Northern California and the Woolsey Fire in Southern California.

The Camp Fire, which occurred in Butte County, was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. It burned a total of approximately 62,000 hectares (153,336 acres), destroyed more than 18,000 structures, and resulted in the deaths of 85 people. The Woolsey Fire, which affected Ventura and Los Angeles counties, burned approximately 43,000 hectares (106,000 acres) and resulted in the loss of three lives.

Compare the acres burned

While it is difficult to directly compare the area burned in the Amazon wildfires to the 2018 California wildfires, available data suggests that the California fires had a more concentrated and localized impact in terms of area burned. The combined area burned by the Camp Fire and Woolsey Fire was approximately 105,000 hectares (259,336 acres). In contrast, the Amazon wildfires spread across vast areas of rainforest, making it difficult to determine an exact acreage figure.

It is worth noting that the Amazon rainforest is significantly larger than the areas burned in California. The state of Amazonas alone covers an area of approximately 1.5 million square kilometers, which is more than 14 times the size of California. So while the area burned by the California wildfires may seem significant in the context of a single state, it pales in comparison to the vast expanse of the Amazon rainforest.

Bottom line

Both the Amazon rainforest and the forests of California have experienced severe wildfires in recent years, with devastating consequences for the environment, wildlife, and human communities. While the area burned in the 2018 California wildfires can be more accurately quantified, the vastness of the Amazon rainforest and the complexity of wildfires in the Amazon make it difficult to determine the exact extent of the area burned. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize the severity of both ecological disasters and the need for concerted efforts to prevent and mitigate wildfires in these priceless ecosystems.

FAQs

Is the area burnt in Amazonas quite smaller than the 2018 California wildfires?

No, the area burnt in Amazonas is not quite smaller than the 2018 California wildfires. In fact, the wildfires in the Amazon rainforest can be much larger in scale compared to those in California.

What is the extent of the burnt area in Amazonas?

The extent of the burnt area in Amazonas can vary from year to year, but it has been known to encompass millions of hectares during severe fire seasons.

What was the size of the burnt area in the 2018 California wildfires?

The 2018 California wildfires were particularly devastating, with a total burnt area of approximately 1.8 million hectares (4.4 million acres).

Are the Amazon rainforest fires larger than the California wildfires on average?

Yes, on average, the Amazon rainforest fires tend to cover a larger area compared to the California wildfires. The Amazon rainforest is vast, spanning several countries, and its fires can have a significant impact on the region’s ecosystem.

What are the main factors contributing to the scale of the wildfires in Amazonas?

The main factors contributing to the scale of wildfires in Amazonas include deforestation, land clearing for agriculture, climate change, and sometimes intentional burning for various purposes.