Every individual on this planet has an independent right to an adequate and healthy environment. The Amazon rainforest is scientifically proven to help stabilise the earth’s climate and slow global warming by fixing CO2 and producing 20% of the world’s oxygen in the process. Deforestation of the Amazon serves to destabilise the environment we live in and will ultimately have a catastrophic effect on all human life.

Brazil's new president Jair Bolsonaro is actively facilitating Amazon deforestation. The deforestation has accelerated and it is reported we are now losing the equivalent of a football pitch per minute. Yes, a large percentage of the Amazon resides in Brazil, but we are all losing this vitally important world-wide health resource. Had Bolsonaro begun developing nuclear weapons, his actions would likely be considered a potential threat or would result in Brazil being classified as a hostile nation and action would be taken. A different scenario of course, but this is a threat to us all and the United Nations should push for greater intervention to prevent further deforestation of the Amazon before it is too late.