Bolivia is facing a catastrophic wildfire season in 2024, with more than 25 million acres of land already burned. The combination of hot, dry weather and extended drought conditions has intensified the flames, and the country’s environmental crisis is now among the worst in its history. The fires, concentrated in regions like Santa Cruz, have created health and logistical issues for residents as smoke blankets large portions of the country, reducing air quality and disrupting daily life.
Local officials have urged citizens to stay indoors and wear masks when outside. Schools have been closed, and flights have been delayed due to poor visibility. The situation has become dire, with health concerns rising—residents are reporting respiratory issues such as persistent coughing, sore throats, and headaches​.
. In addition to the immediate health impacts, the destruction of land threatens agricultural production, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of those who rely on the forest ecosystem.
International aid and environmental organizations are monitoring the situation closely, as these fires are part of a broader pattern of increasing deforestation and wildfire activity across the Amazon basin. According to a 2023 report by the Forest Declaration Assessment, global deforestation is accelerating rather than decreasing, placing the world far behind the targets agreed upon in the 2021 Glasgow Climate Pact to end deforestation by 2030.
