As world leaders come together to discuss the horror of the fires that rage through the Amazon, and what can be done, one Hollywood movie star has decided to step up.
Earth Alliance, back by Leonardo DiCaprio, has committed $5 million to help tackle the record number of fires currently destroying the world’s largest tropical rainforest.
Dubbed the “world’s lungs” the rainforest is a crucial carbon store that slows down the pace of global warming.
Earth Alliance, which has set up an Amazon Forest Fund donation page on its website, has donated the money to those organizations helping to tackle the fires.
The organization was founded in July with DiCaprio and billionaire business investors and philanthropists, Laurene Powell Jobs and Brian Sheth.
The rainforest covers much of northwest Brazil where the government has received much criticism over its lack of action concerning these fires and protests are being held across the world.
Leonardo DiCaprio wrote on Instagram of the urgency of the situation.
“The lungs of the Earth are in flames.
“The Brazilian Amazon – home to 1 million Indigenous people and 3 million species – has been burning for more than two weeks straight.
“There have been 74,000 fires in the Brazilian Amazon since the beginning of this year – a staggering 84% increase over the same period last year (National Institute for Space Research, Brazil).
“Scientists and conservationists attribute the accelerating deforestation to President Jair Bolsonaro, who issued an open invitation to loggers and farmers to clear the land after taking office in January. The largest rainforest in the world is a critical piece of the global climate solution.
“Without the Amazon, we cannot keep the Earth’s warming in check. The Amazon needs more than our prayers.”
The Once Upon a Time in Hollywood star then lets people know how they can help.
Deep, long-term collaboration
“As an emergency response, donate to front line Amazon groups working to defend the forest.
“Consider becoming a regular supporter of the Rainforest Alliance’s community forestry initiatives across the world’s most vulnerable tropical forests, including the Amazon; this approach is by far the most effective defense against deforestation and natural forest fires, but it requires deep, long-term collaboration between the communities and the public and private sectors.
“Stay on top of this story and keep sharing posts, tagging news agencies and influencers.
Forward-thinking policy
“Be a conscious consumer, taking care to support companies committed to responsible supply chains. Eliminate or reduce consumption of beef; cattle ranching is one of the primary drivers of Amazon deforestation.
“When election time comes, VOTE for leaders who understand the urgency of our climate crisis and are willing to take bold action – including strong governance and forward-thinking policy.”
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