For centuries, people have thought of earth as practically indestructible, but the reality is that no home is. And when it comes to the earth, there’s no insurance policy we can take out. If we destroy the earth, no one will come to repair it.
Over the last century or two, with the arrival of industrialisation on a grand scale and a booming population, humankind’s impact on the planet has become much more dramatic. Fires, uncontrolled deforestation, rising temperatures, wars, pollution, growing social inequalities, and massive agricultural, fishing, and livestock exploitation are all reshaping the earth. The list of ways in which we are altering the planet could go on and on.
The planet sometimes lets out cries for help. And, luckily, it’s not too late for us to listen. Some of the world’s most beautiful places can still be saved if they’re showed the love and attention they deserve, rather than being reserved for the history books that future generations read.
The Amazonian rainforestKevin Schafer/ Getty Images
The Amazon rainforest, South America
In the heart of South America, extending into eight different countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Surinam, and Venezuela), you’ll find the largest tropical rainforest in the world. It is the green lungs of the planet, the Amazon rainforest.
More than one third of all the plant and animal species on the planet can be found in the Amazon, with countless fascinating examples. The region is also home to some of the most isolated human tribes on earth.
Some 40 per cent of the vast ecosystem crossed by the mighty Amazon River has been destroyed over the last four decades. Due to deforestation, illegal mining, and global warming, this Garden of Eden may be unrecognisable in 50 years if we don’t take action now.
