SOS:The Lungs Of The Earth Are In Trouble

Brazil's Amazon rain forest is often called the "lungs of the earth."  Well, those lungs need some emergency treatment, and soon.  Under the new president, Bolsonaro, Brazil has defunded and politically sidelined government oversight of the environment.  This has allowed farmers and loggers to slash and burn the land without the proper license.  This is the opposite of what Bolsonaro said he would do while campaigning.

Bolsonaro is a climate denier, and surrounds himself with like minded people.  Under his watch, 35% more fires have been set this year than the historical average.  The land is being cleared of much needed plants and trees to make way for farming and construction.  Brazil, until recently, has balked at any outside help in controlling the fires, but lately he is both accepting help and sending in local fire and others to help control the fires. 

The planet will suffer from this continual misuse of its resources, and may do damage from which we cannot recover, all in the name of commerce.  Protests in Brazil and elsewhere are numerous.  Environmentalists, indigenous groups that are being displaced and activists trying to save the planet are all protesting.  Think of the millions of animals that have been killed from the fires, not to mention small indigenous tribes that have been threatened with extinction.  All for money.  Is it worth it?