Amazon rainforest needs action
The Earth’s lungs are on fire and have been since early August. When I first heard about this on the news, I was extremely shocked. I remember learning about the Amazon Rainforest in elementary school and watching videos that showcased the incredible diversity of species in the Amazon. I was told that there was constant rainfall due to its tropical weather. How is it possible for a fire to spread as quickly as it now has in a tropical environment?
Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro took office in January, and since then there have been about 75,000 fires in Brazil. It is no secret that Bolsonaro supports the deforestation of the Amazon. Deforestation in July 2019 increased by 278 percent compared to July 2018.
“The dry season creates favorable conditions for the use and spread of fire, but starting a fire is the work of humans, either deliberately or by accident,” said researcher Alberto Setzer.
Fires are usually set in forests to clear land for building farms or homes for humans. Fire spanning through the two million square miles of the Amazon was most likely man-made.
August to mid-November are the driest months in the Amazon, making it difficult to contain any fires set during these times.
This is a global issue that will affect everyone on this planet. The Amazon Rainforest is called the Earth’s lungs because it produces about 20 percent of the oxygen in the world. This fire is causing large quantities of carbon monoxide to be emitted into the air, which is toxic for humans to breathe.
The Amazon Rainforest is home to over 10 million different species. These fires are killing them and their homes. Humans have already caused plenty of damage to the natural environment around us. We can’t afford to lose what we can save. It’s time that people start taking responsibility for their actions and help improve the planet.
News about the fire has caught the attention of many people from around the world who have begun raising awareness about this issue. It’s been incredible seeing them come together with a common purpose in mind.
At the 45th G7 meeting on Aug. 24 to 26, world leaders met to discuss several issues, including the Amazon Rainforest fire. They decided to give a $20 million aid package to Brazil and its neighboring to help combat the fires. But every year these countries spend over $100 billion on fossil fuels, despite all of their climate pledges.
The most important thing people need to realize is that it is never too late to take action. Small things such as cleaning up after ourselves and educating others about our environment can make a big difference in the long run. From the beginning of time, our planet has done so much for us, and it’s time we do the same.