When people talk about saving the Amazon Rainforest the
first thing that comes to most minds involves large-scale logging. Most do not
consider the threat of pollution in such a vast, and seemingly untouched
expanse of land. Mercury is only one of the many pollutants that are damaging
our tropical rainforests. The majority of tropical rainforests contain large
oil reserves. Due to increasing oil demands from around the world these
reserves are being exploited. Oil companies currently lease approximately 70%
of the Peruvian Amazon.
In an article on Science Daily the European Association of
Geochemistry highlighted a new study that reveals some disturbing data on
pollution in the Amazon Rainforest. Records show that over a span of 30 years
the western Amazon has suffered widespread oil pollution from spills, improper
drilling, and poor extraction methods.
Researcher
Raúl Yusta Garcia described the findings:
"We
looked at measurement in 18 wastewater dumping sites from 10 different Amazon
tributaries. We were able to pull together records over a 30 year period, from
1983 to 2013, allowing us to measure variations in 9 different pollutants, such
a lead, mercury and cadmium. We found that 68% of the samples were above the
current permitted Peruvian limits for lead concentrations, and 20% of the
samples above permitted cadmium levels.
We
were also able to compare pollution upstream and downstream of some of the
dumping sites. With some samples, we found chlorine levels averaged 11 times
higher downstream of the wastewater dumping site than it had been upstream.
Pollution from oil extraction declined from around 2008, but the danger is that
increased demand causes increased pollution."
In
addition to pollution the Amazon is suffering from deforestation from both
large and small-scale logging and farming. The farming of palm oil, which is
found in many processed foods, is a large source of deforestation.
Gathering
this knowledge is crucial in identifying areas of concern but that only part of
the battle to conserve our rainforests. It is our responsibility to take that
knowledge and act in order to make our world a better place for future
generations.
The
Amazon Rainforest is probably a long way away from where you live. Aside from
donating to the conservation efforts you may wonder what can you possibly do to
help.
1. Reduce your consumption of fossil fuels.
Take the bus,
ride your bike, or walk to work whenever possible. Start incorporating clean
energy into your home and life.
2. Avoid buying products made
of Amazonian wood such as Mahogany.
Instead, select woods that are more easily regrown like bamboo.
3. Avoid purchasing foods
containing palm oil.
This is a tough one since it is in
so much of what we eat but being aware of what is in your food can lead to a
reduction of the amount of palm oil you consume.
4. Be a voice of the
rainforest.
Education drives change. Inform and
challenge your neighbors, friends, and family to make eco-friendly choices and
help save the rainforests!
You are right. When I think about things threatening the rain forest, pollution was not one of them. This post did a good job enlightening me on the pollution aspect. It is pretty crazy that oil companies own 70% of the Peruvian rainforest. I thought it was job lodging companies that were after it. Well, with both of those grabbing at the land I wonder if some other organization, with intentions to preserve, can buy rainforest land in other parts. Who do they even buy it from in the first place, the governments? If donation money helps with that, I think I will donate. As for the other steps mentioned, I don’t think people will ever really change their consumption of fossil fuels, but I do think people would stop buying Mahogany, especially if it became a fad.
ReplyDelete