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Amazon wildfires now top 100,000 this year

Brazil's National Institute for Space Research now reports that the total number of wildfires has eclipsed 100,000.

The Amazon wildfires continue to burn at a blistering pace.

Brazil's National Institute for Space Research now reports that the total number of wildfires has eclipsed 100,000. That's nearly twice as many fires compared to this point last year.

The large number of fires has caused horrible air quality. And it's not just the smoke and ash, but carbon monoxide, Formaldehyde, and other dangerous pollutants have been measured in the atmosphere during large spikes in wildfire activity.

You may recall Sao Paulo, Brazil was covered in darkness for a day back in mid-August.

Weather satellites also confirm a significant rise in the amount of carbon dioxide for the region. This is a result of there being less trees to take CO2 out of the atmosphere, and the burning adding more CO2 in its place.

September is historically the peak of the wildfire and dry season in Brazil, with it ending by the start of November.

Brazilian troops and aircrafts are currently fighting the fires but the situation will likely worsen first before it gets better later in the year.

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