The Amazon rainforest is the largest rainforest in the world. Now, however, it is on fire and in the month of July alone, has shrunk 519 miles. According to websites such as wwf.panda.org, the Amazon is home to at least 40,000 plant species, 427 mammals 1,300 birds, 378 reptiles, more than 400 amphibians and around 3,000 freshwater fish. All of these species are currently being threatened by the rainforest fires. The plants and animals living in Brazil will not be the only ones affected- the Amazon rainforest, sometimes referred to as the lungs of the planet, produces 20 percent of the world’s oxygen. 

“I think this will affect the world, because if it keeps getting worse and worse, it will kill off animals and plants,” junior Michael Sitarski said. 

The fires are affecting people outside of Brazil as well. According to cnet.com, smoke from the fires can be seen from space and felt as far away as Argentina. Even beyond that, it can affect people living here in Missouri. This is because the rainforest affects things such as drinking water and farms. 

One thing is obvious- something needs to change. THS students have given their opinions on what they think has to happen.

“What we can do and what needs to happen are two different things. The world needs to work together and put resources towards putting out the fires,” sophomore Morgan Albano said.

The Brazil government has denied such help before accepting British aid, according to the New York Times. Twenty-two million dollars were offered between many wealthy countries to Brazil, who rejected the offer.

“We need to help because it is our main source of oxygen and affects everyone, not just Brazil,” sophomore Emma Caplenger said. 

There are still ways to help the rainforests, even from Missouri. Some examples include donating to organizations that are helping protect the rainforest, reducing paper and wood consumption and checking that the products you are buying are considered “rainforest-safe”.