These Photos Show the Devastation Taking Place in the Amazon Rainforest

A massive blaze in Brazil's Amazon rainforest is quickly gaining international attention. The Brazilian jungle, often referred to as the lungs of the entire planet (due to the significant amount of oxygen it produces) is in the midst of an intense blaze, with environmentalists claiming the fires were started—whether intentionally or not—by humans. According to CNN, fires in Brazil have risen more than 80 percent this year, and all eyes are on Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who alluded to the destruction of the country's rainforests for economic gain during his campaign. These photos show the result of the fires, which have, according to Al Jazeera, cost some families "everything." If they continue to burn, the impact, in both personal and global terms, will be all the more devastating.