The delayed and less intense rainfall last year, caused by the El Niño weather pattern and exacerbated by climate change, has led to a severe drought in the Amazon this year. This has made the Amazon region particularly susceptible to the increased risk of wildfires. The government must intensify its efforts to save the rainforest by stepping up environmental controls.

Criminal activity is fueling the many fires in Brazil's Amazon rainforest, resulting in enormous damage to the environment and wildlife. Furthermore, the fires negatively impact the region's air quality, leading to its official classification as "very poor." While environmental controls are certainly needed, they will do little to actually address the problem unless they go in hand with measures to address environmental crimes.