Amazon Forest Initiative
Forest Conservation is the mission
Effects of Deforestation on Amazon Ecosystems
The trees in the Amazon Rainforest are essential for the entire Earth. They trap massive amounts of carbon, 210 billion tons to be exact. If these trees continue to be cut down, then all of this carbon will be released into the atmosphere, causing devastating climate change effects. A study by the University of Arizona found that cutting down trees in Brazil affected weather patterns in Texas! Additionally, the 3,000,000 species that call the rainforest home are harmed by deforestation. A study found that deforestation makes 10 species extinct every day. This might not seem like a big impact, for a few small species to die off, but this affects the whole ecosystem. In 75 years, it is predicted that all the rainforest and the animals that inhabit it will be gone. No one wants to lose animals like sloths and jaguars!
Trees in the Amazon
store 210 billion tons of
carbon and prevent it
from entering the ozone layer
Amazonian trees are home to 3 million species, 10% of the biodiversity on Earth
Every second, a football field
size area of trees is
cut down in the rainforest alone
Indigenous Brazilians have their land violently taken from them and used for unsustainable farming
Effects of Deforestation on People
Deforestation is a problem for many people who live in the surrounding area of the Amazon. According to satellite data many people have had deforestation issues near them. Many indigenous groups are violently forced off of their land. This creates much conflict and violence throughout South America. After the land is taken, it is clear-cut and crops will be planted and livestock will live there. These products are then exported across the world and sold. The rules of the forest are enforced by the government, and in many South American countries, the government does not care much about these laws, leading to more clear-cutting. Did you know that there are also monetary incentives for stopping deforestation? By investing in sustainable companies in South America, you can make money and grow companies that help combat deforestation.
How To Help
Two easy ways to slow deforestation
BUY FROM SUSTAINABLE BRANDS
We always say that you are what you eat, and if you eat unsustainable brands, then you are contributing to deforestation. The food that is on clear-cut land is an industry, and as long as there are customers, trees will continue to be cut down. By buying from brands that are sustainably sourced, you will save many miles of trees. This is why YOU, can help. Go to the "People That Help" page to learn about the best brands to buy. Additionally, investing and buying from eco-friendly companies will stop deforestation by putting companies that harm the environment out of business.
DONATE TO WILDLIFE AND FOREST ORGANIZATIONS
There are many good organizations that work to support forests and the wildlife that lives there. They aim to educate people about the effects of global warming and deforestation. Supporting these organizations will spread important conservatory information.
General Mills is a company that uses regenerative farming to help the Earth regrow while not cutting down more land. This is good because it gives sustainable jobs and it will combat deforestation.
Aero Farms grows their crops with hydroponics. This means that they do not need soil, which eliminates the need to cut down trees.
NotCo is a company that has developed an AI program that helps make plant recipes that are like meat. This eliminates the need for livestock, which take up a lot of room and increase global warming. If you are vegan, try this brand.
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People That Help
SUSTAINABLE BRANDS/COMPANIES
SUSTAINABLE ORGANIZATIONS
The FSC stands for the Forest Stewardship Council.
They check brands that are forest sustainable, and then they mark those products, which means they are good for the environment. Try to only buy products that you can find this logo on.
The WWF aims to stop global warming, climate change, and deforestation. By donating to them, you can help them spread their word and reach more people.
Stand for Trees aims to protect trees, especially in the Amazon Rainforest. You can donate to them, which will help save trees. This organization has many projects in South America, which are funded by your donations.
Works Cited
"Death in the Forest: Deforestation Effects on Animals and What You Can Do to Help." Stand For Trees, 2023, standfortrees.org/blog/deforestation-effects-on-animals/.
How Can We Stop Deforestation? Esben Larsen, 2023, www.theworldcounts.com/stories/how-can-we-stop-deforestation. Accessed 22 May 2023.
Romo, Vanessa. "Illegal Deforestation Rises in South America's Indigenous Territories, Parks." Translated by Alexandra Skinner. Mongabay, Rhett Ayers Butler, 29 Dec. 2020, news.mongabay.com/2020/12/illegal-deforestation-rises-in-south-americas-indigenous-territories-parks/. Accessed 19 May 2023.
Stolte, Daniel. "Study Shows Impacts of Deforestation and Forest Burning on Amazon Biodiversity." Arizona University, 1 Sept. 2021, news.arizona.edu/story/study-shows-impacts-deforestation-and-forest-burning-amazon-biodiversity. Accessed 19 May 2023.