It’s All The Same Thing

Any realistic path to climate stability – so central to creating a world of Peace and Plenty – must inevitably wind its way through our planet’s Rainforests. If rampant Rainforest destruction is not checked, all other climate stabilization efforts will ultimately prove insufficient. Rainforest protection is essential because it was the trees of Earth’s forests that originally sequestered the C02 in the atmosphere, which in turn engendered the lovely climate we have enjoyed until most recently. To sit idly by while these forests are bulldozed to make way for cattle ranching, mineral extraction and fossil fuel exploration is to engage in passive ecological suicide!

As Mark Plotkin, founder of the Amazon Conservation Team (ACT), points out in this brief video about the interface among all of our current global causes for concern…

“It’s All The Same Thing!” (1:55)

Indigenous Peoples still inhabit most of the globe’s Rainforests.  These tribal communities – when left undisturbed by the “civilized” world – have consistently proven to be reliable, ecologically minded stewards of the flora and fauna in which their lives are imbedded. Thus, promoting Indigenous Peoples Rights, and supporting cultural preservation within tribal communities, while obviously a human rights focus, must also be a central concern for those who would rally to the cause of global climate stabilization.

Though a tiny little planet compared to Jupiter and some of our other neighbors, Earth is still a very big place!  So rather than address Rainforest Revival throughout the four corners of the globe, this section of Imagine Peace and Plenty zeros in on our Rainforest neighbors to the south – The Amazon Jungle and all those who call it “Home”.

By now we have all read the headlines and heard the statistics: “The Disappearing Rainforests“, “Indigenous Amazonian People Threatened by Oil Drilling” for Organizing Communities to Oppose Ecuador’s Plans to Auction Off Nearly 10 Million Acres of the Amazon Rainforest for Oil Drilling”, and “Amazon’s indigenous warriors take on invading loggers and ranchers”,  etc.

But have you seen up close what is at stake? Here is a quick tour of the beauty and diversity that is the Amazon.

“Explore The Amazon” (2:45)

The Forest Itself is calling you and me to be its allies.  Can you hear Her?

To answer the call for help from the trees, and those who live among them, get acquainted with the organizations introduced in this Rainforest Revival section of Imagine Peace and Plenty. Collectively, these small scale groups are making large scale contributions toward transforming our relationship with the Amazon and its inhabitants. Your willingness to support their work will empower their efforts all the more!

To learn more about how and why the Amazon Rainforest and its indigenous communities are under attack – and the part we can play in protecting the forest and its inhabitants – link here.