The Cerrado is a precious asset that is home to hundreds of native species. In addition to having a large amount of essential resources for human life, the Cerrado generates life. However, it has been threatened and attacked by men. In addition, it is also harmed by the natural fires that happen by chance, mainly due to the dry climate. Check here the great consequences of the fires in the Brazilian Cerrado.
Deforestation in the Brazilian Cerrado
In addition to being one of the largest biomes, the Cerrado is one of the most important in Brazil. Its unique biodiversity occupies a large part of the national territory. In addition, it is home to hundreds of indigenous and quilombola communities. However, it faces difficulties with the advance of unbridled consumption, and consequently, deforestation.
Especially in the months of July and August, there is an increase in fires. Today, deforestation in the Cerrado is already greater than in the Amazon. Often the fire is potentiated by criminal actions, mainly for the creation of pastures and to supply the demand of agribusiness.
The importance of the Brazilian Cerrado
Known as the cradle of water, the Cerrado has essential springs that supply the population of the entire Brazilian territory. We can mention mainly the São Francisco River and the Tocantins River. In addition, there are amazing species that balance the ecosystem. The cerrado is home to great biodiversity in the environment, beings and plants that are essential for the perfect functioning of nature.
Natural causes of fires in the Cerrado
The natural causes of fires occur without human actions. They can happen mainly for environmental reasons, such as the climatic conditions in which the environment is at the moment. For example, extreme heat, dry period, very low humidity. In addition to electrical discharges, natural combustion, friction between stones, and even friction between animals and the dry forest.
Origin of fires in the Brazilian Cerrado
Basically, three factors are responsible for the fires in the cerrado. We can mainly mention the advance of agricultural and livestock activities as well as the action of man or anthropic action. All these causes are related to human activity as the main factor of fires and burning in the Brazilian Cerrado.
With the advance of agricultural activity, deforestation began in the Brazilian cerrado. Due to the pasture areas that are more interesting for this market. After deforestation, the industry burns the region to remove all the vegetation cover.
When the industry acts unbridled, it ends up harming the environment and can cause drastic consequences. However, even being a crime and causing the devastation of natural resources, they end up becoming routine acts, as many take advantage of the lack of impunity.
Consequences of fires in the Brazilian cerrado
The worst consequence of fires in the cerrado is the loss of biodiversity. The richness of the region in terms of fauna and flora is lost. Mostly birds, reptiles, fish, mammals and insects are affected. Certainly, the Cerrado biome is harmed by fires in the environment.
In addition to the fires directly affecting plants and animals, they also damage nearby areas. Mainly because of the soil that is impoverished. Since the fires directly affect the soil. In addition, they alter the natural water cycle. Both from rainfall, drainage from rivers, flood basins, lakes and ponds. And still in the climate balance of the Cerrado. The effects are diverse and overwhelming. However, the fires cause numerous disastrous episodes such as the imbalance of ecosystems.
Smoke from fires still affects the Cerrado biome. Since they can asphyxiate animals and plants. Not to mention that they still increase the amount of gases in the environment. Which can cause significant impact such as the greenhouse effect. Contributing mainly to global warming. In addition, they can contribute to the acquisition of respiratory diseases. Protecting the Cerrado should be the top priority for authorities and people. However, it hasn’t been happening.
