Ever since the Amazonian wildfires have caught media attention, many have lashed out on Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his environmental policies.

But, according to MODIS satellite data analyzed by Weather Source, over the last week, Brazil is actually third in the world in wildfires

Weather Source recorded 6,902 fires in Angola on Thursday and Friday, compared to 3,395 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and 2,127 in Brazil in the same period.

Fires in this region of Africa account for about 70 percent of the world’s area burned, and are considered a common occurrence during this time of the year.  These fires are deliberately ignited by farmers using the slash and burn technique to clear vast swaths of groves, recreate pastures and incinerate rubble from cultivated land to prepare for the next season.

Although this technique is cost effective, it accelerates global warming and consequently climate change because of the vast emissions of smoke.

Surprisingly, where there is a big hue and cry over the wildfires in Brazil, no one seems to realize that Africa belongs to this world as well.  No media coverage, hashtag campaigns or public outcries have taken place, and none of the global leaders are calling out the African government for damage control as these rainforests silently burn away.

• Read: The Amazon Rainforest Is Burning Down

Why has the world ignored the fires in Africa? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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