The Amazon Rain-forest; And Growing up on a Dying Planet

an article written by Nazaaha Penick

The Amazon, otherwise known as Amazonia, is home to numerous tribes and a large diverse ecosystem. This rain-forest, spanning across 9 different countries (primarily Brazil), and providing 20% of the Earth’s oxygen, is in danger.

From January 2019 to August 2019 there has been more than 80,000 fires blazing over Brazil. 50% percent of these fires have occurred in the Amazon Region.

With the rising news of the Amazon rain-forest burning, it has sparked public outcry over social media sites, and has inspired protests with desperate pleas to save the planet. One tribal chief described the halting response of Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, regarding the fires and his support for deforestation, as “a form of genocide” CBS News reported Thursday.

Indigenous communities that call the Amazon rain-forest their home, are most directly affected by this tragedy. President Bolsonaro suggested the fires were set by non-governmental organizations in retaliation to funding cuts. He later said he “never accused them”, according to BBC. With the summer months being the driest of the year, it is typical for fires to be used as a method to clear the forest and make room for agricultural purposes. This has allowed for conversations about Veganism and sustainability, in relation to climate change.

There has been a lot of say overall. You may have seen a plethora of posts saying we have “x” amount of days to reverse the damaging effects of climate change. Or many pointing fingers at corporations or meat-eaters. All sides present good points, but so far there hasn’t been much action. Understandably so, raising awareness and donating to charities is crucial, but sometimes, it can feel like no matter how loud we yell, our truth’s are not being heard.

The youth of this generation often feel ignored. However, they have much to say on the issue of climate change, and how it has impacted their everyday lives and well-being.

The following responses come from real teenagers today. In a response to the burning of the Amazon rainforest, and the issue of climate change in whole.

“It doesn’t matter what but we need to do SOMETHING about these kinds of issues” – Savannah Beck, 16

“It’s terribly horrifying what’s happening to our planet & not hearing much about what’s happening” -Kaitlin Combs, 17

“It’s odd how everyone with half a brain knows it’s wrong and horrible but nothing is done.” – Chris, 16

“I have felt absolutely powerless and can’t wrap my head around the fact that our planet is still being treated so unkindly. There is so much I wish to do but the ecological differences I make in…” Isabella Bossé, 17

“People cannot be going along saying climate change isn’t real and that it’s pointless to clean up our local communities because whether or not it is real, change needs to happen within our communities and the older generations of humanity. Yes youth have a voice and youth have the power to create change, but that can only go so far. It is truly up to those who are rightfully designated to create change within our environment.” – Christine Grant, 16

“It’s terrifying. And I’m scared out of my mind. I wanted kids but I don’t want them in this world.” -Bella Spriggs, 15

“It’s sad to see that large companies (w/ the largest carbon footprint) are doing the least.” -Cali, 16

“It’s terrifying to watch your own journey. To watch yourself care so much that you plummet into shock and can no longer function healthily. You end up avoiding all the news and turning a blind eye because it’s so painful to remember and to see. That’s the worst part.” -Anonymous

“It’s sad that some of the “advocates” for change are still contributing to these industries by eating meat and cattle raised by the same corporations they are claiming to fight against” -Abby Crosley, 16

Quoting Greta Thunberg, another young 16 year old girl, who is a popular figure in the Climate Change movement, “This is all wrong. I shouldn’t be up here. I should be back in school on the other side of the ocean. Yet you all come to us young people for hope. How dare you!”.

All of this feedback from the youth of this generation is clearly filled with guilt and worry about the future of our planet. Although, it is essential for the voices and cries of future generations to be heard, it is also important that the leaders today, do everything they can to take action.

It is indeed terrifying to grow up, in a dying planet. The best we can do, when our voices aren’t being heard, is yell a little louder.

Learn about Decreasing your Carbon Footprint here

Read Greta Thunburg’s Speech here