The Amazon Crisis - How You Can Help!

The Amazon is resilient, yet at the same time, fragile.  It is part of a global ecosystem that scientists still don’t fully understand that stretches from the sands of the Sahara desert to atmospheric currents of moisture that deliver fresh water to the US. And it is burning. Make no mistake, this is not a problem for Brazil, nor a reason to demonize Brazil - it is a global crisis.

Hundreds of species of plants, animals and insects may go extinct at a time when scientists are discovering more and more that these same forest residents may be active against some of the most devastating diseases of our time.  Did we just burn the cure for Cancer, Alzheimer’s or MS? We may never know.

The Amazon is also the world’s most important and effective carbon sink. Climate Change is a real problem, and not just a “change of seasons”, as some have called it. There is no path to mitigate climate change that does not include conservation of the Amazon. Yet human greed, corruption, and honestly, need, continue to destroy this world treasure at an increasing pace.  And this will continue until the forest is worth more standing than cut.

Today, the Amazon is burning out of control. Even if the current fires are stopped, the damage is extensive enough that it will take years, perhaps even generations, to restore. But it is not too late to make a difference if we act NOW. 

5 simple things to do today to help stop this crisis, and then protect, restore and sustain for the future.

1. Use your voice and sign our petition to encourage companies to take action now: #Project.Green, an industry coalition to protect and restore the Amazon through development of drone monitoring and seedling nurseries with the goal of protecting 1 Million acres and planting 1Billion trees. We cannot do it without you. 
2. Donate directly to a reputable non-profit that is on the ground fighting for the Amazon. There are some great ones, and all of these organizations work closely with the best, most effective local organizations so you don’t have to worry about that. Local community engagement and expertise is the key, and supporting their efforts is a primary way to do this. A few of our favorites that we donate to or partner with are listed below, feel free to click on their logos if you choose to donate directly as well:

   	We have partnered with the Rainforest Foundation and the Wapichana People a couple of years ago on our Saving Acres and Planting Trees project which focused on our mission to Prevent and Restore. Click to directly contribute additional funds to this important project. You can also contribute to the other following, great organizations we love:
   	Protecting the rainforest and our climate by supporting indigenous peoples.
   	Working at the intersection of business, agriculture, and forests to make responsible business the new normal.
   	Preserves forests, protects the climate and upholds human rights by challenging corporate power and systemic injustice.
   	Supports projects around the world that build climate resiliency, protect vulnerable wildlife, and restore balance to threatened ecosystems and communities.

3. Stay informed. Follow one ore more of the following great sources of information:  https://news.mongabay.com/, https://www.greenmatters.com/, https://www.leonardodicaprio.org/
4. Become a more Conscious Consumer Pledge to at least 1 or 2 things to do differently. Start by reading “5 Things you do Every Day that Destroy the Rainforest”. 
5. Vote With Your Wallet: Become more familiar with trusted certifications. Look for the following seals that are seeing increased traction with consumer product companies that care about the planet:

The destruction of the Amazon is not somebody else’s problem, and it is not just Brazil’s problem (nor the other 8 countries that host the Amazon), either. This is a global crisis and we must take action NOW.  Together, even the small things can make a difference.

#LungsOfTheWorld #SaveTheRainforest #PrayForTheAmazon #Project.Green #VoteWithYourWallet

Love yourself, find your joy, share your passion.

Val Cole & Tom Moran