We've been experiencing two major planetary crises - climate change and biodiversity depletion, both with decisive consequences for the continuity of human life on Earth. The Amazon plays a crucial role in solving both crises. At the root of climate change is the excess of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere resulting from human activities, particularly carbon. The Amazon Forest - the largest area of remaining tropical forest on the planet - concentrates the largest aboveground carbon repository and also one of the richest areas in biodiversity. On other hand, the loss and degradation of such forests has far-reaching implications, with disastrous consequences for humanity.
Every Brazilian, in particular every Amazonian inhabitant, should know and take care of this unique heritage as a principle. In fact, some recent opinion researches suggest that the Amazon has special value to a great portion of Brazilian citizens. However, until now, there seems to be a gap between thinking and acting in order to preserve it. Unfortunately, annual forest loss rates are still very high. On top of deforestation are the impoverishment of ecosystems by fires, fragmentation of forests and water bodies, logging, mining, illegal hunting and fishing - activities often surrounded by violence.
Science has been fundamental to foster deeper knowledge about the Amazon in the last few decades, despite low investments it receives, which are not compatible with what the region deserves. Thanks to the untiring efforts of many research institutions and partnerships among regions and countries, the relevance of Amazonian ecosystems for human well-being has been increasingly revealed. Starting from its role regarding climate, from regional to global levels, to the interactions with the diversity of life forms, both with implications to health, to food security and to the human well-being in general. The consequences of ecosystems loss and degradation, including a possible tipping point of no return, are being disclosed. However, solutions to overcome these problems have also been presented, such as monitoring systems, more sustainable agricultural or forest management and production alternatives and innovation for the use of bioproducts compatible with the conservation of ecosystems.
We are at a crucial crossroads. We can still decide between going with the current flow of development or completely changing the trajectory to a prosperous future. This new route presupposes, above all, to recognize the main role of the forests to our survival, implementing infrastructural and land use decisions conforming to this principle, respecting and supporting traditional peoples and local communities whose ways of life divert us from the path of global crises.
*This article was written for the #scienceinelections campaign, which celebrates Science Month.
