What would happen if the Amazon Rainforest disappeared? - Anna Rothschild
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As of 2022, humans have deforested 17% of the Amazon, and scientists warn that we may be approaching a tipping point. It’s like removing bricks from a house: take a few and the house remains standing; remove too many and the whole thing will collapse. So, what would happen if the entire Amazon disappeared? Anna Rothschild explores the relationship between this ecosystem and the rest of the planet.
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The Amazon is the world's largest rainforest, spanning nine countries and covering over 5.5 million square kilometers. Its trees cycle about 20 trillion liters of water daily through transpiration, cooling the atmosphere and generating rain clouds. This process regulates regional temperatures and rainfall patterns, not only in South America but across the globe.
The Amazon is a massive carbon sink, storing approximately 100 billion metric tons of carbon. Global temperatures could rise significantly without it, exacerbating severe weather events and habitat loss.
The rainforest is also home to 10% of the planet’s known species and over 30 million people, including 1.5 million Indigenous inhabitants whose lives and cultures are deeply intertwined with the forest. Simply put, the Amazon’s survival is critical to biodiversity, climate regulation, and human well-being worldwide.
Big and Small Ways to Protect the Amazon
Protecting the Amazon requires coordinated efforts on both a global and local scale. Here are key strategies:
Support Indigenous Stewardship
Research shows that Indigenous-led land management is one of the most effective ways to protect the Amazon. Between 2001 and 2021, areas managed by Indigenous communities reduced deforestation and removed over 300 million metric tons of carbon from the atmosphere. Organizations like Amazon Watch and Rainforest Foundation US work with Indigenous groups to secure land rights and promote sustainable practices. In Ecuador, the Kichwa people of Sarayaku have successfully fought against oil drilling on their lands, preserving both their culture and the surrounding forest.
Practice Sustainable Agriculture and Fire Management
Deforestation is often driven by large-scale farming and cattle ranching, which degrade the ecosystem. Transitioning to sustainable agriculture—such as agroforestry systems—and implementing fire management techniques can protect the rainforest while maintaining productivity. Brazil’s "Terra do Meio" initiative works with small farmers to adopt agroforestry practices that integrate trees, crops, and livestock. This approach not only reduces deforestation but also increases farm income.
Reforestation and Restoration
Planting native trees in deforested areas helps restore the Amazon’s water cycle and biodiversity. Programs like Trillion Trees aim to restore degraded land worldwide, including in the Amazon. Brazil has recently made significant strides in addressing deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, especially under the administration of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who took office in January 2023.
Consumer Awareness and Choices
Individuals can influence deforestation by making informed choices about the products they buy. Avoiding products linked to deforestation, such as beef and soy, and supporting companies committed to sustainable sourcing makes a difference. Global efforts like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification help consumers identify sustainable products.
Strengthen Global Policy and Funding International cooperation
This is essential for protecting the Amazon. Agreements like the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) promote cross-border conservation, while initiatives like the Norwegian Amazon Fund provide financial incentives to reduce deforestation. Norway has pledged billions of dollars to Brazil to support efforts to curb deforestation through financial rewards tied to measurable results.
What Can You Do?
- Donate or Volunteer: Support organizations like Rainforest Trust, Amazon Conservation Team, or Greenpeace that work directly in the Amazon.
- Advocate for Policy Change: Push for stronger environmental protections and sustainable trade policies in your country.
- Educate Others: Raise awareness about the Amazon’s importance and the risks it faces. Share stories of successful conservation efforts to inspire action.
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Meet The Creators
- Educator Anna Rothschild
- Director Upamanyu Bhattacharyya, Otter Studios
- Narrator Christina Greer
- Animator Akshit Kumar, Rishav Mohanty, Upamanyu Bhattacharyya
- Composer Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio
- Sound Designer Amanda P.H. Bennett, cAMP Studio
- Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
- Produced by Sazia Afrin
- Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
- Editorial Producer Shannon Odell