Fires and air quality in Brazil: what role can the Circular Economy play?

In an interview, Prof. Dr. Edson Grandisoli, ambassador of the Circular Movement, highlights the severity of the situation in Brazil and suggests containment measures.

By Arlene Carvalho, Circular Movement
 

Brazilian news outlets have been emphasizing the rise in wildfires and fire outbreaks across the country and how this is directly linked to the air quality we breathe. According to data from Mapbiomas Fire Monitor, between January and August 2024, about 11.39 million hectares of Brazilian land were devastated by fire, with nearly half of that area (around 5.65 million hectares) burned in just the last month. These fires not only destroy vast areas of vegetation, but they also impact biodiversity, the lives of vulnerable populations, and significantly worsen air quality, as the smoke released can cause respiratory problems and overwhelm the public healthcare system.

The problems extend far beyond the areas directly affected, impacting approximately 60% of the country, according to Brazil's Ministry of Health. In an interview, Prof. Dr. Edson Grandisoli, educational coordinator and ambassador of the Circular Movement, stressed the seriousness of the situation and proposed measures to contain the threat, such as transitioning to a Circular Economy.  
 

Which regions of Brazil are most affected by wildfires in 2024?

At this time of year, it's quite common to see an increase in wildfires in different regions of Brazil, right? Unfortunately, this year, we’re seeing a rise in both the intensity and frequency of these fires, affecting between 10% and 15% of the Pantanal, not to mention the so-called megafires in the Amazon. There are also many fires happening in the interior of São Paulo and Mato Grosso. And unfortunately, this practice still occurs in most states. It's largely associated with unsustainable agricultural practices as well as illegal fires.
 

How do wildfires affect air quality and public health across the country?

Wildfires affect far more than just the regions where they occur. Many think that only the people living in those areas are affected, but that’s not true. Just open your window and see the widespread smoke and ash over vast areas of Brazil. Air masses, wind currents, they circulate throughout the country. A few years ago, when there were strong fires in the Pantanal, the city of São Paulo was covered in ash. We’re experiencing this again now, but on a larger scale. It’s not fog; it’s ash and smoke. Air masses that pass over these intense fire areas carry this pollution and toxic gases to places far away... So, in some way, most regions of the country end up suffering from this unsustainable practice. This harms people's health, especially children and the elderly, exacerbates inequality, increases the number of respiratory illnesses, and overwhelms healthcare centers. It’s essential that people become aware of this. The solution lies in monitoring, fines - applied by governments and regulatory bodies—and more proactively, in changing land-use practices.
 

How can the transition to a Circular Economy help reduce the dependence on wildfires in agriculture and minimize their negative impacts on the environment and public health?

At the Circular Movement, we’ve been talking a lot about food production and land use. Instead of using fire to clear land, circular practices promote composting, nutrient cycling, agroforestry, bioeconomy, valuing small-scale local production, and sustainable land management. These approaches reduce or eliminate the need for wildfires and further deforestation. This cuts down on pollutant emissions, improves soil health, and preserves biodiversity, while also mitigating the public health impacts associated with pollutants released by fires. The techniques, examples, and technologies are already out there. We need to find ways to scale them up, give them importance, and show that it's possible to produce, make a profit, and create opportunities while ensuring a quality environment for everyone.

About Circular Movement

Created in 2020, Circular Movement is a collaborative ecosystem committed to encouraging the transition from a linear to a circular economy. The idea that all resources can be reused and transformed is the motto of the Circular Economy, the basic concept of the movement. Circular Movement is an open initiative that promotes collaborative spaces with the aim of informing individuals and institutions that a waste-free future is possible through education and culture, the adoption of new behaviors, inclusion, and the development of new processes, products, and attitudes. The work is done in partnership with Dow, a chemical, plastics, and agricultural products company based in Michigan, USA. Circular Movement currently impacts 2 million people through its activations and content.

And you? Do you want to learn more about Circular Economy?

If you are interested in learning more about this topic, access Circular Academy, the first free Latin American course on Circular Economy aimed at the general public. Together, in partnership and collaboration, we can make a difference in building a more circular planet.