Katrina and the Amazon Drought
The Katrina hurricane, the Central America tropical storms and their lethal effects, the intense drought in the Amazon basin with abnormal and not entirely known consequences… The gods of nature seem angry with the Americans. America is under pressure.
Perhaps we should remember some radical words expressed by an eminent climatologist, some years ago: Climate is an unpredictable wild beast, and we are poking at it with sticks (W. Broecker).
I am not trying to suggest that all those natural catastrophes are just a direct consequence of man’s action. But who dares to say that there is no connection? Who dares to say that the infuriated El Nino and all these disasters have nothing to do with modern civilization and their impact on natural eco-systems?
Who dares to say that the destruction of the Amazon forest has nothing to do with what is happening?
Paul Lefebvre, a researcher running a monitoring station in the Amazon, says that the ocean waters in the North Atlantic are warmer than usual, which tends to encourage evaporation, creating storm conditions towards the south of the United States and Central America. And that this warming also sets up high pressure systems further south, in regions such as the Amazon, causing less clouds and providing less rainwater…
More: in future terms, present drought in the Amazon can reduce substantially the growth of trees, which may prevent the forest’s ability to soak up the carbon dioxide that our cars and industry send to the atmosphere. Something that can intensify climate change; Amazon can become part of the problem of climate change, instead of part of the solution.
Unfortunately, the international press and political powers are not picking up and reporting the problem in its true dimension. The ways these issues are presented, are clearly sketchy.
The International press reproduced the words of President Lula of Brazil, about the calamitous Amazon drought. But… what about the regular destruction of the forest? And the causes of the waters warming in the north Atlantic?
In the case of the Amazon, we tend to forget that there are daily fires in the big forest. That Amazon continues to be deforested at a steady pace. Every day, even outside the burning season, fire envelops the jungle. Everyday, a piece of the Amazon disappears. And that isn’t sufficiently contested or publicized. And, still less, its impact in other natural disasters is normally omitted.
The Press report only the spectacular and sensational to satisfy consumer demand. Hidden causes are regularly forgotten. Without famous celebrities stressing the source of our evils, we tend to forget them. And, unfortunately, the Amazon rainforest has no more a Chico Mendes hero.
Eduardo Reisinho publishes Brazil-Travel-Guide.com
(Brazil Travel Guide), a website where you can look for more information about the Amazon rainforest, and other themes and travel information involving Brazil.
