These aerial photos show the destruction of the Amazon fires

A dramatic uptick in fires engulfing Brazil’s Amazon rainforest—many likely set intentionally by cattle ranchers and loggers—has troubled the world. An essential part of the planet’s ability to regulate greenhouse gases, the Amazon fires have burned at an alarming rate. The total number—more than 70,000—is up 85% from the last year.

Satellite imagery has given a sense of the scale and location of the flames. Aerial images, which may only show a sliver of the amount of forest lost, showcase the stark contrast of what used to stand there, and what the essential rainforest is being replaced with.