Amazonian WRF scenarios datasets for biomass burning in South America

Here, we investigate Amazonian biomass burning across South America using Lagrangian plume tracking, WRF-Chem simulations, satellite fire data, and health-impact estimates. We show that Amazonian burning generates a recurrent continental-scale smoke season during JJA-SON, with transport corridors affecting cities along the Andes, the Pacific coast, southeastern Brazil, and the southern cone.

WRF-Chem simulations indicate that Amazonian fires are a major contributor to regional PM2.5 pollution, adding 50-100 µg m−3 across the basin during peak months, while other regional fires further amplify exposure. We estimate that removing Amazonian fire emissions would prevent approximately 33,000 premature deaths annually across South America. Fire trends reveal strong geographic contrasts linked to land-use dynamics and governance, and countries that have already curbed Amazonian fires show that the tools to reduce this exposure exist wherever political will meets social awareness