Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso Confront Fire Risk and Biomass Shortages

The government of Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul state issued a 180‑day environmental emergency decree, citing climate forecasts that predict a heightened risk of forest fires in the second half of 2026. The decree, prompted by anticipated drought, high temperatures, low humidity, strong winds and an intensified El Niño, enables preventive measures, revises the fire‑brigade operational plan, expands firebreaks along roads, and streamlines access to federal civil‑defence resources.

In the neighboring state of Mato Grosso, the Association of Reforesters warned of an imminent biomass shortfall for eucalyptus wood used by agro‑industries and ethanol plants. The association noted, "If we consider only the projected corn‑ethanol production for 2026, we would need 198 000 ha of eucalyptus, but the current area is 165 000 ha, a deficit of 30 000 ha." The first harvest of trees planted today is expected only in six to seven years, raising concerns for meeting the 2030 demand of 436 000 ha. The group is urging state agencies and large consumers to adopt sustainable supply plans to reduce reliance on native‑forest wood.