We all know that the Amazon is in danger. If deforestation and burning persist, it is quite possible that few trees will be left to tell the story of the forest. But what few people know is that anyone can help to defend it.
In order to reverse the current situation in the Amazon region, the first step is to raise awareness of the problem and learn about the damage caused by actions that destroy natural resources.
Importance of the Amazon
You may have heard the following sentence: The Amazon is the lung of the world. This is a true statement. The largest tropical forest on the planet is not only important for the environment, but for the survival of humanity. Total destruction means the extinction of terrestrial and aquatic species and traditional peoples, who depend on forest resources to survive.
Benefits of the Amazon:
- Regulates the planet’s climate and temperatures;
- Regulates the rain system that supplies rivers in Brazil;
- Greater biodiversity on the planet;
- Filters and reprocesses the global production of carbon dioxide;
- Transfer heat and steam to the regions of the country;
- Abundant water resources;
- Balances the environment;
- It brings humidity to all of South America.
Everything in the forest is life
If you think that preserving the forest is essential only to maintain environmental balance, you are wrong. By making the sustainable use of Amazon resources, the cure for several diseases is guaranteed. That’s right. The forest also offers raw material for medicinal products.
About 10,000 types of plants are used as an active ingredient in medicines, cosmetics and products for pest control. Among the diseases that can be treated with medicines produced from plants in the Amazon are arthritis, osteoarthritis, cancer and others.
Biodiversity
There are many species that make up the Amazon’s biodiversity. Many are unknown to scientists and unique in the world. This means that only the Amazon region has this animal and plant wealth.
Maintaining biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem ensures the sustainability of all forms of life. In addition to preserving land animals, it is also necessary to protect fish and corals. They are also essential for environmental balance. The conservation of these species depends on reducing the felling of trees and the end of burning.
This is because, without vegetation, the rain system will be unbalanced and without rain there are no rivers. Without rivers there is no water for consumption. About 20% of the planet’s fresh water is found in the Amazon.
The Amazon plays an essential role when it comes to water resources (drinking water, navigability, fishing, leisure and energy capacity). Keeping the forest alive prevents erosion, siltation and ensures food for aquatic organisms.
Red sign
Deforestation and fires lit the red light for the Amazon. 2019 can be considered the worst year for the forest because of the rampant increase in devastation. In November, the federal government announced a nearly 30% increase in deforestation. There was also an increase of 62.7% in the cutting of trees, greater than in 2018. The outbreaks of fires grew 70%.
This is very serious and harmful to the lives of 30,000 plant species, 100,000 animal species and more than 20 million people.
If you do not want the destruction of the Amazon rainforest, see the actions that can help in its preservation.
- Support movements for the forest.
There are many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and movements that work to preserve the forest and accept volunteers. If you are away, you can also donate resources, sign petitions and participate in demonstrations. The institutions have several initiatives for the conservation and strengthening of indigenous peoples. - Value indigenous culture
There are many local communities in the Amazon that are responsible for protecting the region. These peoples also need support to continue their work. So, support these initiatives. - Reduce meat consumption
Agriculture is one of the activities responsible for deforestation in the Amazon. Illegal grazing exploits devastate large areas of the region, cutting down trees and killing various animals.
Therefore, reducing meat consumption would help to minimize these actions and maintain forest preservation. - Consume products with legalized wood
The performance of illegal loggers has been growing every year and this is detrimental to forest survival. One way to end this is to pay attention to the wood products you consume. Furniture and other products made with wood must have certification proving that the raw material is not part of illegal deforestation. Observe the seals and certificates that attest to the quality and origin of the wood. - Don’t buy wild animals
Trafficking in wild animals, especially birds, is more common than you might think. Buying animals from this criminal action is also an environmental crime. Traffickers mistreat species and unbalance Amazonian biodiversity. Therefore, refuse any offer to buy wild animals and report the act. - Conscious and sustainable consumption
The Legal Amazon was created so that the development of the region was sustainable. Therefore, to conserve it is necessary to consume its products in a sustainable manner. Before closing a deal, find out if there are any certification or seals that prove its origin.
Support brands that are concerned with sustainability and demand environmental responsibility from others. - To demand effective actions for the protection of the Forest
It is important to demand effective actions from the federal government so that the Amazon is preserved. The lack of inspection and impunity are the main reasons for deforestation and illegal exploitation to increase each year. Not to mention the killings of indigenous peoples by squatters.
Demanding effective public policies from governments is the main step in reducing forest devastation.
Economic development is necessary, but it should not be a justification for destroying the future of humanity. Without the Amazon, the world will be out of balance.
Anyone can help the forest
The 7 tips we cite here on how to preserve the Amazon can be adopted by anyone. If you can’t participate in demonstrations, donate resources to conservation and non-profit organizations. Raising awareness of sustainable consumption also helps to keep the Amazon forest alive.
Remember that preservation depends on each one of us.