The combination of long-term, high-resolution satellite datasets from ESA’s Climate Change Initiative is offering unprecedented insights into the South American Gran Chaco – one of the world’s most endangered dry forest ecosystems. These advanced observations reveal, in striking detail, how fire is accelerating widespread deforestation across the region. The animation shows high-resolution land cover and fire maps from satellites from1990 to 2019 over the Gran Chaco in South America. Notice the clear and repeated pattern: deforestation regularly precedes fire in the same location one or two years later. The shapes and timing match with striking precision – suggesting a human influence.

Read full story: Satellite records expose fire driving Gran Chaco transformation