The Amazon rainforest has been on fire for the past month, and Brazil has declared a state of emergency in the region. The fires are destroying the homes of indigenous tribes and threatening millions of animal species.
The fires are so big now that the smoke can be seen from space.
The smoke, visible for thousands of kilometres, of tens of human-caused fires in the Amazon forest. #noplanetB #MissionBeyond pic.twitter.com/SyoydfJo39
— Luca Parmitano (@astro_luca) August 26, 2019
Since January more than 70,000 fires have been detected in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, up 84% from the number tracked in 2018, according to the country’s National Institute for Space Research. This not only threatens the region’s future, but could also speed up climate change, since the rainforest significantly helps reduce the world’s carbon dioxide levels.
The situation could get even worse, according to the World Resources Institute, since 62% of Brazil’s forest fires traditionally occur in September through the end of the year.
The record number of fires is garnering international attention, with French President Emmanuel Macron organizing a $22 million fund at the recent G-7 summit. Celebrities are also weighing in. Madonna took to Instagram to urge Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, to change his policies and actor Leonardo DiCaprio pledged $5 million to help, while rapper Lil Nas X and and supermodel Cara Delevingne have raised awareness via social media.
But what can I do to help?
Deforestation is one of the biggest drivers of these fires. We recommend you eat less meat (since the farmers have to clear some of the forest so the animals have grazing land), use less paper (recycle!), and do what you can to cut your emissions so that we can try to balance out the damage to the planet that these fires have caused.
You probably don’t have $5m to spare like Mr DiCaprio, but that doesn’t mean that your donation isn’t invaluable and necessary. There are a few organisations that you can donate to:
Rainforest Alliance
They announced earlier this month that it would be redirecting 100% of its donations to frontline organizations in Brazil working to “protect the Amazon and defend the rights of its Indigenous people”.
Earth Alliance
On Sunday, the organization formed an Amazon Forest Fund.
The fund will be focusing resources toward local communities and groups working to protect the Amazon, as well as those affected by the fires. Earth Alliance noted five groups so far that will receive funding, including the Kayapo people, the Brazil chapter of Coordinator of the Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon Basin and the Instituto Socioambiental.
Amazon Watch
An organisation that works with the aboriginal people is Amazon Watch. The group has supported the community’s efforts to stop the proposed dam, and this year, helped convene an assembly of Munduruku youth with Munduruku chiefs.
World Wildlife Fund for Nature
The well-known conservation organization is urging people to not only pay attention, but also shop smart and reduce your fossil fuel consumption. WWF is also encouraging people to speak up, creating an online petition you can sign to call on the governments of Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname to “protect the Amazon, combat deforestation and reduce the causes of fires.”
Support businesses that support the rainforest
In addition to donating to specific organisations, experts are urging consumers to put their money to work by supporting business and companies working toward sustainable goals.
Rainforest Alliance has a list of over 700 companies that the organisation certifies as meeting rigorous environmental and social standards.
