I caused the Amazon rainforest fires. Yes, the enormous 74,000 fires that ravaged over 2.1  million square miles; I helped to cause and exacerbate those fires. Now, before you call me an evil pyromaniac, let me explain what I mean. 

The Amazon forest fires is a series of many fires that are scorching the biggest rainforest on Earth. Considering that the Amazon rainforest produces almost 20 percent of all the oxygen in the Earth, this is a major disaster that poses a significant threat. The fires are also burning up the ecosystem and destroying biodiversity. Over 10 percent of the Earth’s biodiversity is contained in the Amazon rainforest and most of that 10 percent will not survive. To put it simply, the world’s biggest rainforest is burning right now and it poses a serious threat to both humans and animals alike.

So how did I start the fire, you may be wondering. First, I buy meat from unsustainable sources and untrustworthy ranchers. Ranchers and farmers are burning down plots of land in the Amazon Rainforest to farm more crops and house more animals. My consumption of meat and other foods is directly coming from the Amazon and this means that I am supporting the ranchers who burn the land for more space. To clarify, this does not mean I need to to go vegan, but rather I need to understand where I am getting the pork chops that I’m going to eat for dinner. Checking if the animal that I am eating was raised in an ethical fashion as well as knowing that I got the meat from an honest, hard working rancher would go a long way in stopping the climate crisis and the fires. Next, I use everyday products that are either directly or indirectly from the Amazon Rainforest. For instance, the iconic pink erasers that I use every single day is a product from the Amazon. The pink erasers are made from latex and latex is produced from the Hevea Brasiliensis, or the rubber tree. These trees are native to the Amazon rainforest and from South America. Continuing to use products that come directly from the Amazon is directly supporting the businesses that irresponsible exploit the Earth for it’s natural resources. Another example is being wasteful with paper and paper products. When I go to school I unnecessarily use sheets of paper which I know is a problem. Finally, my carbon footprint is increased by driving cars and personal transportation. Instead of carpooling and riding public transportation I drive everywhere. The simple action of riding instead of biking, walking, or even carpooling means I exert more greenhouse gases, exacerbating the fires.

The Amazon fires are being broadcasted all across the world and celebrities are speaking out on this subject; yet we feel so distant from the problem. However, this issue is caused, exacerbated, and fueled by our actions. You don't need to participate in a huge beach cleanup every month or make huge adjustments to our daily lives to help fight this threat. But rather, consciously make decisions that promote sustainability and use responsibly sourced resources. This threat that is climate change can be stopped, if only we are more conscious of the effect of our actions on the environment and make small adjustments in our lives.