No matter your views on the climate, global politics or whatever, there comes a time. A time, where people must put aside their differences and stop focusing on the little things. Occasionally we all need to see the big picture, even me. I fear this is one of those moments. While we are all in our little bubbles getting on with the day to day, hoping others will solve the worlds problems, a fire rages on.
Potentially one of the most dangerous fires in the history of humanity and yet, it seems, very little is being done. Of course I refer to the current, very concerning burning of the Amazon rain forest in Brazil. To be clear, first the facts. Fires are raging at a record rate. The highest rate since the country’s space research center, the National Institute for Space Research, began tracking them in 2013. There have been 72,843 fires in Brazil this year, with more than half in the Amazon region. That’s more than an 80% increase compared with the same period last year.
Considering the Amazon is often referred to as the planet’s lungs, producing 20% of the oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere, it looks like we have a serious problem on our hands. In fact, this could be a turning point in the history of man kind if, and if kept on at this rate the damage could be irreparable. Any hope of reversing the effects of climate change could be lost forever. So, quite simply we need to act, and now. WE NEED TO SAVE THE AMAZON.
What has surprised me the most is the limited media coverage in general. Sure, the big networks have picked up on it in the last few days. But overall, it feels there is no where near as much as it should be. Especially considering the perceived gravity of the situation. And the current height of the global warming initiative. Why is this the case? Is it still a matter of people not taking it seriously? As much as some would not like to admit it, there are people in society who still fall on both sides of the fence regarding Climate change.
So, what to do? I think whatever side of the climate change argument you find yourself on, all can agree that saving the Amazon rain forest is a very good idea. I mean you would have to be a real special breed of human to not want to save something so beautiful. Consequences or not. Unfortunately, the simple truth is, we as individuals have little to do apart from raise our voices to be heard. This article my own little attempt to do so. This must ultimately be left to the hands of Governments, to come together. For the future of humanity and find a solution, QUICKLY.
And this is where another one of my biggest concerns becomes an issue. Rather than coming together as one world, one people, we seem to be politically heading in the exact opposite direction. Trump want’s to take care of the USA and doesn’t give a turd about what happens outside it’s borders. The UK want’s to leave the European Union as soon as it possibly can. The Far right is gaining ground all over the planet, of course with their agenda being all about nationalism. It is not a good situation. Where as the world in recent history was becoming smaller, it now feels like the distances between us all enlarge almost daily.
This situation, is counter productive to what needs to happen to correct this current Amazon predicament. However, I am hoping a crisis such as this one might have the ability to bring the world together once more.
Now, my reach is rather limited. So I will address this message to the government of Malta. Maybe I will be lucky and someone in power here will read this. Why not let Malta take the lead on this? One thing I have learnt during my time living in this country (almost 27 years now), is we may be small, but we are mighty. Our voices maybe few, but they are louder than most. And as a nation, we care about what is right. (For the most part at least).
So let’s raise our voice. In the houses of parliament, on the beaches over a pint or bottle of Prosecco and at the dinner table with family. If you know anyone in Government, have a word with them. Why shouldn’t we as a country try and have some influence? Am I being naive in thinking that just maybe we can have an effect on things if we try? And I mean really try? The Amazon rain forest is more than just a beautiful example of biodiversity. It is critical to our way of life. And now, more so than ever, we need her to be at her carbon dioxide sucking oxygen producing best.
If you are interested, the following links are a couple of interesting reads about the current situation in the Amazon. Educate yourself, so your voice may be even stronger.
http://wwf.panda.org/knowledge_hub/where_we_work/amazon/about_the_amazon/why_amazon_important/
