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<p>The UK is concerned by data that suggests a surge in forest fires in the Amazon
rainforest in 2019. Whilst the data is complex there is evidence that indicates this
surge in fires follows months of accelerated deforestation. In recent years we have
seen some evidence that climate change is making forest fires more frequent and severe
in Amazon countries and elsewhere. Unlike previous years when El Niño caused severe
droughts, climatic conditions were probably not a significant factor this year’s increase
in fires.</p><p><br>Amazon countries are established key partners for the UK in our
collective efforts to promote sustainable growth, tackle deforestation and mitigate
climate change. As stated in my response on 2 October 2019, the UK supports a number
initiatives, as part of multilateral climate funds and the UK’s bilateral relationship
with several Amazon countries, that aim to: i) improve the capacity of governments
to reduce deforestation; ii) incentivise forest protection through results based payments;
iii) enable businesses and communities to grow rural economies sustainably whilst
protecting standing forests.</p><p><br>These initiatives continuously monitor and
implement mitigation strategies for risks, such as increasing deforestation, in the
course of their ongoing activities.</p>
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