Amazon Rainforest produce “about 6%” of the planet’s oxygen. It is also known as the “lungs of the planet”. The figure of 20% is exaggerated, because Amazon is responsible for only 10% of this annual emission. Marine photosynthesis also emits 4-5%. So in total, the Amazon must emit about 5-6% of atmospheric oxygen. That 6% can save about 420,000,000 lives. Imagine if the Amazon Forest is gone, and the entire Earth will suffer. Think about those 420,000,000 people who needs the presence of the Amazon in order to survive.

The fire started somewhere in January this year and have only increased in number. According to NOAA, the rainforest has been “fire resistant” for much of its history because of its natural environment. INPE, a space agency, said it had detected more than 74,000 fire between January to August. In comparison, there were fewer than 40,000 for the same period in 2018. It is estimated that over 906 thousand hectares(about 2,240,000 acres) of the Amazon forest has been lost to fires in 2019. 

Cattle ranching is one of the biggest reasons behind deforestation in Brazil, accounting for 80% of loss of forest. The cattle reared in the area are used for various businesses and contributes to export market in the region. Some conversationalists has also blamed Brazilian President Bolsonaro for the fires, saying that they were started by loggers he hasn’t taken strict action against. President Bolsonaro defended himself by saying that he should not be blamed for this. 

We should blame ourselves for this tragedy. We lack in proper monitoring and we should establish Forest Conservation Law, to avoid environmental problems.