[JSR] Will the Amazon Fire be a Tipping Point for the Global Climate?

The Amazon rainforest, which is the largest rainforest in the world, has been appearing on the news recently due to massive fires. While many people are trying to raise awareness, these fires are yet to be put out. The fires have been affecting people everywhere and it is important for us to realize this.

Sharon Pak, Grade 11 Crescenta Valley High School

According to CNN News, the Amazon rainforest produces 20% of the world’s oxygen and helps to regulate the temperature of the planet. Because of the rainforest’s large size, it releases a great deal of water through evaporation. Loss of this water will cause the climate to become unstable. The instability will cause people to be greeted with even more severe temperatures which can affect both humans and animals. Additionally, as the Amazon rainforest continues to burn, large amounts of carbon dioxide will be released. Carbon dioxide is one of the major factors in climate change, leading to definite long term impact.

One important example of the effects of the fire is what is happening now in Brazil. The heavy smoke from the fire caused a blackout in Sao Paulo, which is more than 1,700 miles away from Brazil. Also, the smoke was so heavy that it was picked up on satellite images from NASA. This shows how intense the condition has become. The smoke from the fire and the deteriorating air quality is a struggle which will impinge on everyone.
The lush rainforest we once knew can potentially become dry with no plants if these fires continue. People must stop and prevent fires before it’s too late. To prevent these we must look toward the main reason for how this blaze started. According to INPE researcher, Alberto Setzer, “ The dry season creates favorable conditions for the use and spread of fire, but starting a fire is the work of humans, either deliberately or by accident." Although there is no absolute reason as to why the fire was started, many believe it was to deforest land for cattle or to clear it up for other agricultural related farms.

Even through all of this, there is still good news. Many celebrities and influencers have stepped up and chosen to help stop the fire by donating money and other needed materials. Hopefully, by spreading awareness of this issue, people will start to contribute and share the importance of putting out this fire. By seeing how important it is to properly take care of the environment and strive to improve the global climate, it is likely that we can prevent future climate concerns such as these massive fires.