Amazon rainforest fires are an international crisis
The Amazon rainforest is burning at a scary rate. French President Emmanuel Macron said the record number of fires is an "international crisis". There has been an 85 per cent increase in fires this year. Mr Macron said urgent action is needed. He said the fires should be top of the agenda at the G7 summit of world leaders. He tweeted about how serious the fires are. He wrote: "Our house is burning. Literally. The Amazon rain forest – the lungs which produce 20% of our planet's oxygen – is on fire. It is an international crisis." German Chancellor Angela Merkel called the fires an "acute emergency". She said they were "shocking". She added that the fires threatened Brazil, its neighbors, and the whole world. The UK leader Boris Johnson called the fires "heartbreaking". He said: "We stand ready to provide whatever help we can to bring them under control and help protect one of Earth's greatest wonders." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: "In the midst of the global climate crisis, we cannot afford more damage to a major source of oxygen and biodiversity. The Amazon must be protected." |