The Amazon: the world's largest rainforest that spans from northwest Brazil to the other side of the country. Within just a six mile radius, there are said to be over 1,000 species of plants, 750 different trees, 150 species of butterflies and 400 species of birds. Thanks to the Amazon's wet climate, plants have the ability to grow to their full potential. Rainforests like the Amazon are considered some of earth's oldest ecosystems, with plant species dating back 70 million years. In addition, the Amazon houses 47 million people, 2 million of them being indigenous populations. Not only does this forest support plants, animals and humans, but it also contributes greatly to the supply of oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Amazon is facing major threats right now, and it's all because of human influence. Climate change, deforestation and fires are all putting this vibrant rainforest in jeopardy.

Climate change is worsening with the destruction of the forest, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide being converted to oxygen. With increasing deforestation, weather patterns become more extreme, leading to drier climates which in return increase the risk of wildfires. This is also known as a positive feedback loop. The trees within the forest also act as large carbon pools that have mechanisms smarter and more efficient than any man made technology. Not only do the trees capture large amounts of carbon, but they are also able to store it for long periods of time, then leave it in the soil as decomposition occurs. But with increasing destruction, the carbon is being released from the soil and right back into the atmosphere, not only harming surrounding areas, but harming the whole earth. Additionally, many plants that are vital in the treatment of cancer are found in rainforests like the Amazon. If these forests disappear, these properly gathered resources will deplete, leaving us to find other forms of medicine. 

While climate change poses a large threat to the Amazon, deforestation is another major issue endangering this crucial ecosystem. According to BBC News, the deforested area within the forest is more than six times the size of New York City, and has lost 20% of cover since the 1970s, or 300,000 square miles. There are many causes for deforestation but none of them are justified. Destroying thousands of miles of lush forest for agricultural expansion such as cattle ranching, illegal activities like logging and gold mining and other things that exploit the land will never be okay. By chopping tree after tree, endangered species like jaguars, Uakari monkeys, giant otters, macaws, frogs and a number of others are losing their homes and are being driven out of their natural habitat. The destruction of this once lively utopia affects all parts of life, leaving a devastating, undoable impact.

Fires blaze through the Amazon, destroying everything in their path. 26.4 million acres of forest were burned in 2023. The causes for these fires are a mix of elements. The sudden dryness of the forest, and the droughts combine to create a hazardous environment. Additionally fires are caused by ranchers, venturing into the forest with hopes of finding clearings for their cattle. To their surprise the floor of the forest is densely packed with plants. So, fires are being lit in hopes of clearing spaces themselves. The peak fire season occurs in August or September. The flames blasting through the forest not only affect the plant and animal species. They also harm the indigenous populations that have lived in the forests for hundreds of years. For example, the Mbuti tribe's diet consists of plants and animals from every layer of the forest. Fires destroy their food sources, their shelters, create unhealthy air conditions and completely flip their way of life. 

“It's so hard to see such a devastating event occur through the screen of my TV, and feel helpless”, Bay area resident Amy Gamba said. Although the startling statistics may provoke hopeless feelings, not everything is lost. The rate of deforestation, while still high, has been on a decline since 2022. The conservation efforts by both scientists and climate advocates have put visible change in place.

Although we can't undo the damages already done, we can work to slow the burn and reverse the effects of climate change. All hope has not been lost for the Amazon rainforest.