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Leonardo DiCaprio Urges People To Save Amazon Rainforest

Leonardo DiCaprio Urges People To Save Amazon Rainforest

It's known as the planet's lungs

Amelia Ward

Amelia Ward

With the Amazon wildfires burning and amidst speculation that humans should take some of the blame for the catastrophe, celebrities have begun to use their huge power on the internet to reach people.

One of them being actor Leonardo DiCaprio. Well known for his concern for the environment and animal rights, the star has shared a post from conservation group, Rainforest Alliance, for his 33.8 million followers to see.

Leonardo DiCaprio shared a post from the Rainforest Alliance about the devastating Amazon wildfires.
Instagram/Leonardo DiCaprio

It reads: "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.

Large swathes of the Amazon is being turned into farmland.
PA

"Without the Amazon, we cannot keep the Earth's warming in check. ⁣⁣The Amazon needs more than our prayers."

The post goes on to suggest some ways in which we can help to protect the Amazon.

It continues: "So what can YOU do?

"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 defence 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. ⁣

"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.⁣⁣"

An environmental protester in Brazil.
Shutterstock

The Amazon is known as the planet's lungs due to the fact that it contributes 20 percent of the world's oxygen - you know, that thing that's quite important for us.

The smoke from these fires even managed to black out the sun in Sao Paulo on Monday and has been visible from space.

Featured Image Credit: Leonardo DiCaprio/Instagram

Topics: World News