Aerial View of Burnt Brazilian Nut Trees

Burnt Brazilian nut trees (Castanheira). These trees are a protected species under Brazilian law and are photographed here burnt ands destroyed during a flight from Cuiaba to Alta Floresta. In 2006, 14,000 square kilometers of Amazon forests were destroyed.
The Amazon rainforest is set on fire during the burning season. This is when large sections are lit by farmers to be cleared for cattle breeding and agriculture.
Tropical deforestation is contributing greatly to climate change and massive biodiversity loss. The protection of these ancient forests is crucial to preserving both biodiversity and the global climate.