In the Amazon, we have also directly felt the impacts of the “El Niño” phenomenon, which is usually associated with more severe droughts in the Amazon, which can result in more frequent and devastating forest fires. Rainfall can decrease during El Niño, affecting the Amazon’s ecosystems and putting pressure on biodiversity. In addition, the amount of smoke particles released during a fire can be very high. Without rain, these particles can remain in suspension for longer, making them easier to disperse. That’s why it’s easier to see clouds of smoke covering the municipalities of Amazonas during this period.

The Amazonas State Government has set up the Intersectoral Committee for Coping with the Environmental Emergency, with the aim of coordinating the activities of the agencies that make it up in the prevention, preparation, mitigation and response to the drought disaster affecting Amazonas. The committee’s work is aimed at preserving lives; reducing or limiting the impacts of disasters, minimizing their effects; preserving the environment and collective systems; boosting the economy in the municipalities affected by the disaster; restoring social normality; and prevention to avoid or minimize the occurrence of disasters.

The collegiate body also works to reorganize the productive sector and promote economic restructuring in areas hit by disasters; and to establish preventive disaster safety measures in schools and hospitals located in areas at risk.

The State Secretariat for the Environment (SEMA) is responsible for formulating, coordinating, and implementing environmental policies in Amazonas, as well as managing 42 Conservation Units. On the climate agenda, the department has been working to regulate pricing mechanisms for environmental services, especially in the construction of the carbon market.

The secretariat also has the Plan for the Prevention and Control of Deforestation and Illegal Burning (PPCDQ-AM), which guides inter-institutional strategies to combat environmental crimes, for the two-year period from 2023 to 2025. The department also coordinates cooperation with national and international governments for the environmental agenda of the state of Amazonas.

The work of the Amazonas Civil Defense is extremely important due to the region’s unique and challenging climatic and environmental conditions. The agency plays a fundamental role by carrying out a series of crucial activities, which include constant monitoring of climatic and hydrological conditions, drawing up plans to prevent and prepare for adverse climatic events, coordinating emergency response operations, promoting public awareness and advising on measures to save water, thus ensuring the protection of people’s lives and property. Overall, the Amazonas Civil Defence plays an essential role in minimizing the negative impacts of extreme weather conditions and guaranteeing essential services for the population.

The Amazonas Military Fire Brigade (CBMAM) provides operational services for searching and rescuing incidents involving people, property, fauna and flora. It also works to prevent and monitor outbreaks of fire, using platforms that update mapped areas in real time.

Currently, the fire brigade actions take place through operations Aceiro, Céu Limpo and Tamoiotatá, with operational rapid response and data collection.

The Amazonas Environmental Protection Institute (IPAAM) is a state agency responsible for environmental management, implementation, and execution of national and state environmental policies. The institute is responsible for implementing actions to prevent and repair possible environmental damage, combating deforestation and degrading actions. Ipaam is also responsible for licensing agricultural, forestry and fishing activities, as well as the exploitation of water and mineral resources.

The agency also carries out actions aimed at environmental education, with lectures on the consequences of deforestation and fires, how to preserve the environment in which we live.