2022 didn’t start out so great for the Latin American trees. From January 1st to January 21st, an area 

 was wiped out in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. 

It’s the world’s largest river basin and rainforest, home to a multitude of plant and animal species. Currently, it is subject to the worst deforestation exercise in the world. This year, the deforestation levels reached an all time high from the last 

Deforestation exercises are intended to clear out forest ground in order to adapt the land for 

 such as cattle, soy, dams, minerals, and colonization projects. This practice has already destroyed more than 20% of the Amazon’s ecosystem. We are wiping out potential cures for sickness, scientific development, biodiversity, animal species and much much more. 

 has estimated that Amazon will have lost 27% of its trees by year 2030 if the present rate of deforestation is to continue. The Brazilian government is responsible for the maximum deforestation in Amazon, which means that those fighting deforestation are really fighting the government. 

It seems crucial to call for international intervention in the matter, and the organization 

did just that, by accusing Jair Bolsonaro of crimes against humanity. It states that before Bolsonaro’s presidency, deforestation was in decline. Now it’s at record highs and they even blame him for 1% of 

 deaths in the next 80 years related to excess heat and emissions. 

If we lose the amazon rainforest, it will create a ripple effect of climate crisis and droughts for all of us. 

 – Big industrial corporations are most at fault for destroying our world’s forests. If they can leverage their market power to destroy these forests, they can just as easily use it to protect them. These companies can rethink their supply chain, marketing and manufacturing processes, encourage the use of recycled products, and help in preserving forests. 

More mutual collaborative efforts between organizations

 – Forestry is a lucrative employment sector, both locally and internationally. Industries such as the paper producing industry can be conscious and careful when harvesting produce from the forest, trying not to harm local and international economies dependent on the same resources for their livelihood. Collaboration and cooperation by different stakeholders involved with forests can help save forested lands and bring down deforestation.

Supporting the claim of indigenous people

 – Many of the forests are actually homeland for indigenous tribes. Most of the time, businesses and governments do not take into account these indigenous people when deforesting land to make way for profitable ventures. On many occasions, the indigenous people lack a medium to voice their perspective. These indigenous people inhabiting the forested lands have made the forests their home for centuries and live a symbiotic existence with the land they survive on. If we were to support the forest tribes, we would help conserve the land they live on, which means preserving our forests.

What changes need to be made in our consumer habits to reduce deforestation in the future? 

What should be the global stance towards productivity vs. deforestation? How can we regulate the trade and end the overexploitation of our forests?

The Amazon is being destroyed by Jair Bolsonaro

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