A lone tree stands in the middle of a deforested patch of land in the Amazon Rainforest. It is surrounded by beige, dry dirt that after deforestation is now unsuitable for any kind of growth. The nutrient-deficient soils of the Amazon Rainforest are not only unfit for agricultural practices, but are incredibly important to support the health of the earth.

The environmental impacts caused by deforestation and cattle ranching are incredibly dangerous and create numerous elements of harm. Deforestation in the Amazon causes climate change, animal extinction, and destroys the homelands of Indigenous peoples. Cattle ranching increases fire risks and is a main contributor to the degradation of riparian and aquatic ecosystems, which causes soil erosion, river pollution, and contamination with organic matter. Climate change not only affects Amazonian Indigenous peoples; it has and will have an affect on every single human being on earth.

A main contributor to climate change, deforestation and cattle ranching has a major impact on the health of the earth and every living being on it. From poverty and displacement to severe storms to scarcity of food, climate change impacts everyone, even if many don’t notice. The effects of climate change are severe and will be irreversible in the coming years, so taking action now to protect and restore the Amazon is essential to ensure the longevity of the health of the earth for future generations!