After the massive forest fire in the Amazon rainforest, Brazil is now facing oil spill crisis spread across 2,500 kilometres of the country’s northern coast since September, and has reached 92 municipalities and 14 conservation units in nine states. Photo: Carneiros Beach on the coast of Pernambuco State, Clemente Coelho Júnior/Instituto Bioma Brasil
The environmental impact caused by the oil spill is contaminating beaches and killing wildlife and is already considered the biggest ecological disaster on the Brazilian coast. More than 1,500 tons of waste have been collected. Photo: Gilberto Crispim
The delay in government actions forced volunteers to start cleaning without any protective equipment, triggering a public health problem, including burning skin, eye irritation, nausea, shortness of breath and vomiting. Photo: Gilberto Crispim
Many marine animals in the area such as turtles, dolphins and birds have been found covered by a dense black layer. Many were rescued, but most died. Crustacean species are also dying from having their habitat invaded by the oil. Photo: @aline_marine/Twitter
President Jair Bolsonaro's government has allegedly been late in dealing with the crisis in taking action. After much pressure, Vice President Hamilton Mourão has announced that an additional 5,000 troops will be sent to help clean up the spill. Cabo de São Agostinho beach in Pernambuco. Photo: Salve Maracaípe
