THE AMAZON IS BURNING: A CALL TO GLOBAL ACTION

The Amazon rainforest, often called “the lungs of the Earth” for producing 20% of our planet’s oxygen, is engulfed in flames. While climate change has worsened wildfires globally, the current inferno in the Amazon is largely man-made, set by farmers encouraged by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s push to develop the region for agriculture. As the fires rage, they release massive amounts of carbon, accelerating the climate crisis. Meanwhile, wildfires in Peru have left at least 15 dead since July and more than 3,000 hectares (7,400 acres) of cultivated land and natural areas scorched

Beyond the immediate environmental destruction, Bolsonaro’s policies and the corporations backing them, including investment firms like BlackRock, are driving this deforestation. These actions harm not only the forest but also the indigenous communities who have long warned about the consequences of destroying the Amazon.

In Peru, local authorities have been pleading for weeks for the government to declare a national state of emergency to address the crisis. However, Dina Boluarte's administration, through her chief of staff, has stated that it is not yet necessary. "We urge the public and authorities to remain calm. Over 60% of the forest fires have already been extinguished. There are still some active fires, but there are no critical reasons for a state of emergency yet," said Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén. 

Safeguarding tropical rainforests and defending the rights of indigenous peoples are crucial to curbing the escalating climate crisis. However, to truly make an impact, we must hold the corporations, financiers, and governments responsible for this destruction accountable. The world is burning, and indigenous communities have been warning us for years — the question is, are we ready to listen and take action?

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