Rainforest Foundation
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Fighting Against Climate Change
One Forest at a Time
Climate change has recently entered the realm of conventional wisdom. We know it is occurring, we know that humans are a major cause, and we know that the consequences are likely to be catastrophic for large parts of the world for many generations unless something is done. What many of us struggle to understand, however, is what we can do to make a difference. Here is one idea: help protect the world’s rainforests.
Deforestation of the Earth’s tropical rainforests is a very significant source of atmospheric carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas. In addition to wiping out the homes and of indigenous rainforest peoples and disrupting their traditional lifestyles, the loss of rainforests threatens to erase entirely the climate benefits of the greenhouse gas reductions anticipated under the Kyoto Protocol.
Rising temperatures and droughts increase the risks of forest fires, which in turn disrupt the rainfall cycle of the rainforest, leading to more drought, fires and so on. The ever-widening cycle of climate change and deforestation impacts broad regions. A major disruption of precipitation cycles in Brazil, for example, could have a catastrophic affect on the country’s agriculture industry while impacting the global climate.
Deforestation was responsible for approximately 60 percent of Brazil’s total greenhouse gas emissions this past year. One of the most effective ways to slow these emissions is by supporting indigenous peoples in their efforts to gain land title. Studies consistently show that indigenous peoples are most successful at protecting the rainforest. Rainforest Foundation-US is working throughout the Amazon to expand the scope of demarcated indigenous lands, while working with people like the Shuar of Ecuador and Achuar of Peru to protect their rainforest homelands from destructive and polluting natural resource extraction.
Read more for additional facts and 10 things you can do to help reduce global warming right now.
A Word From Our Founders
YOU DON’T HAVE TO PUT ON THE RED LIGHTThe world’s CO2 emissions need to be cut by 70% to 80% simply to stabilise CO2 levels and global temperatures * Our forests and oceans absorb around half of the CO2 we produce So we need to conserve and restock the forests * And we need to cut our energy consumption in some simple but very significant ways * Don’t just stand by and watch as the world runs down * There are lots of things you can do that will make a difference *Every step you take will improve the quality of your life and your bank balance, as well as improving the environment for everyone else* Change all your light-bulbs to low energy bulbs * Turn off the water while you’re cleaning your teeth * Stop rewarding stores for all the plastic bags they produce by providing free advertising as you carry them around – buy your own reusable bag * Buy local produce wherever you can to reduce food miles* Walk or get on your bike for local journeys * Start a carpool * Try growing your own herbs or vegetables * TVs, computers, dishwashers, washing machines, tumble driers, dvd players, cd players...TURN OFF THAT STANDBY BUTTON!
GO GREENER TODAY.
photo©Kevin Mazur
UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues to focus on Climate Change
 Indigenous leaders from all over the world will be gathering in New York from April 21st to May 2nd for the Seventh Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.Jim Anaya, former chair of RF US, will also address the Forum in his new role as incoming Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Issues. Read more. |
 In late January,the Brazilian government released data on deforestation in the Amazon between August and December 2007. With the rising prices of cattle, soy, and other commodities,the deforestation rates are soaring once again.Read more. |
NYC Parks Dept. to Stop Using Rainforest Woods
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RF Volunteer Trains With Al Gore
Environmental Studies Instructor and Rainforest Foundation US Volunteer, Theresa M. Clarke recently, had the opportunity to participate in The Climate Project training workshop developed by Al Gore, former vice president of the United States. Theresa was one of 1,000 selected from more than 10,000 applicants. The intensive two-day training was hosted by Gore himself in Nashville. After graduating from the "intense and exciting" program, Theresa is now an official presenter for the Climate Change Project and will be spreading awareness about the alarming realities of climate change.We are very proud of her accomplishment!
Way to go Theresa!
