Brazil deploys military aircraft against wildfires amid suspected arson

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🗞️ Driving the news: Brazil has deployed military aircraft to combat wildfires in Sao Paulo state, with President Lula da Silva suggesting arson as the primary cause
• Over 3,000 firefighters are currently involved in efforts, and two individuals have been arrested on suspicion of setting fires

🔭 The context: Sao Paulo is grappling with its worst fire month in decades amid a prolonged drought
• The Brazilian government, linking the crisis to climate change, has declared a state of emergency in 45 municipalities
• Dense smoke has disrupted flights and road travel, even affecting the air quality in the capital, Brasilia

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The wildfires highlight the escalating impact of climate change on natural disasters, with Brazil's environment minister labeling the situation as a "war against the fire"
• The country's response underscores the urgent need for global action and funding to combat climate-related crises

⏭️ What's next: Authorities are hoping for rainfall to help alleviate the situation, while investigations into suspected arson continue
• The Brazilian government is also seeking international cooperation to bolster its firefighting efforts and climate change mitigation strategies

💬 One quote: President Lula da Silva emphasized, "Even the deniers can no longer deny the climate crisis
We have to fight climate change with a lot of intelligence, and with financing from the richest countries that have already destroyed their forests"

📈 One stat: In August alone, Sao Paulo state has experienced 3,480 separate wildfires, marking a significant increase from previous years, according to Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE)

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