Amazon in flames it means seeing the green lung of the planet burn. The Amazon, once very lush and overflowing with millions of life forms, is a South American equatorial rainforest in great danger. The first threat of the forest came with the Spanish conquerors in the "new world", which pushed the Indians to flee and many even let themselves die. But today the danger it renews itself more violently.
Amazon in flames
Amazonia in flames is a dramatic title we never wanted to read, as it means that a natural balance that affects us all is flaking. The vast area exceeds seven million km². Understanding how vast this territory is is not easy, however it is sufficient to consider that the wooded area occupies about 5,5 million km².
About 65% of the Amazon rainforest is found in Brazil, but also extends to Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. We are talking about a large lung, which however is in trouble, risks drying up and the consequences are already seen with the indigenous population on the run.
Amazon in flames and endangered species
Today the Amazonian green lung is burning nonstop, and in addition to the horror of human lives; we are witnessing a reduction in oxygen production, which could drop by 20%. Unfortunately, the responsibility lies with man, since most of the fires are still due to deforestation, because the use of fire is one of the techniques used.
Animals have the worst, because in the region they live approx 2,5 million species of insects, 3000 species of fish. At least one fifth of all birds in the world are found in the Amazon rainforest, 1294 species, alongside 427 types of mammals. Many amphibians and reptiles are at risk of becoming extinct, not to mention of the 60.000 plant species. The Institute of research spacecraft of Brazil, estimated that since the beginning of the year, the fires have increased by 83%. 73.000 fires were recorded, of which 52% in the Amazon. An area equivalent to three football fields burns every minute in the area.
#PrayforAmazonas
Unfortunately, at the base of the terrible tragedy, there is the sacking of the Amazon and its extraordinary resources. All this means violence, sometimes creeping and sometimes blatant and brazen, towards the indigenous peoples who now live precariously in those territories.. Precious wood, emeralds, gold, pastures and crops are the basis of deforestation.
The Amazonian tribes are the first victims, but not the only ones. In South America, governments are sometimes accused of being careless or environmental NGOs, but the sterile controversies are not resolving the dramatic situation. Meanwhile, on social media, the hashtag #PrayforAmazonas is now viral.
Every day thousands of photos of the fires are shared everywhere. NASA too, posted the eloquent image of the Amazon rainforest, captured by a satellite, in which smoke and desert are seen advancing.
