Save the Amazon for our survival

Brazil’s Amazon rainforest has seen a huge jump in the number of fires this year compared to the previous year. Over the past decade, previous governments of Brazil had managed to reduce deforestation with action by federal agencies and a system of fines. But the incumbent Brazilian President Bolsonaro and his ministers have criticised the penalties and overseen a fall in confiscations of timber and convictions for environmental crimes.

For this, conservationists have blamed Mr Bolsonaro, saying he has encouraged loggers and farmers to clear the forest land and he has done nothing to prevent them from clearing the territory. And scientists say the rainforest has suffered losses at an accelerated rate since he took office in January.

Rainforests are often called the lungs of the planet for their role in absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, upon which all living beings depend for survival. Rainforests also stabilise climate, house incredible number of plants and wildlife, and produce nourishing rainfall. This is why the Amazon rainforest is vital for the survival of Mother Earth.

Md Zillur Rahaman, Gandaria, Dhaka