The Amazon needs you!
13 March 2009
Yesterday British scientists declared that up to 85% of the Amazon rainforest could disappear in the next 100 years if carbon pollution is not stopped.
A 4C rise would kill 85%, but even a 2C rise above pre-industrial levels (the ‘best-case scenario’) would see a 20% to 40% loss according to a Meteorological Office study using computer modelling.
This loss would be irreversible and could cause a further climate change catastrophe, turning what is a significant carbon sink into a significant carbon source.
The UK with 1% of the world’s population produces 2.3% of the world’s C02. The worlds richest countries have created the climate crisis. Will they – we – act in time?
This issue is close to our heart, not least because of our connection to the rainforest communities through our sustainable Amazonian rubber bag, but it’s a global problem with global effects.
What can we do?
- write to the Prime Minister and ask him to take action on climate change
- ask your MP to support a strong and sustainable Renewable Energy Strategy
And on an individual level we can each take steps to reduce our own carbon footprint. Whether it’s signing up to a green energy supplier, turning down the heating, or buying local and organic, we can all find at least one small thing we can do to make a difference.
Make a start. Make that one change today.
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Sunday 15 March is the ‘people’s premiere’ of The Age of Stupid, a new film about the consequences of dangerous climate change. “A captivating and constantly surprising film,” according to George Monbiot.
