The burning Amazon rainforest is equivalent to a mass shooting of the entire Earth. It is bigger than any social, political or economic issue. It is bigger than any genocide. It is a shot straight into the very lungs of our planet. It is the impending inability to sustain life.
Brazil is intentionally burning the Amazon for profit. There is profit to be made in soybean sales, now that tariffs on China make it too costly to buy from the U.S. There is profit to be made on beef sales as well.
Brazil’s president is a climate change denier and has the support of Donald Trump.
This isn’t about partisanship. It is about survival.
Scientists tell us that when 20 to 25% of the rainforest is gone, Earth will not be able to absorb C02 and convert it to oxygen. At present, 17% of the Amazon is gone and still burning. We need to put every other issue aside and focus on this one. Otherwise, everything’s over.
Our allies are putting pressure on Brazil, while our president embraces Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro. We the people must pressure our Congress, by phone, letter and in the streets. Do it please, for everything you love and cherish.
Gina Zhdilkov, Bountiful
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