FOUR CORNERS: SAVING THE AMAZON
Saving the Amazon: On the frontlines of the fight to preserve the world’s largest tropical rainforest.
“The Amazon holds the largest biodiversity on the planet. The Amazon is the home of hundreds of thousands of plant and animal species.” Nobel prize winner
The Amazon is one of the most precious natural habitats in the world and plays a vital part in regulating the planet’s temperature. So when alarming pictures emerged last year of the Amazon on fire, the world was shocked. These fires were so big they could be seen from space, leaving many to ask how could this have happened? Why wasn’t the forest being protected?
“In the Amazon, fire is manmade. It’s part of the deforestation process.” Former Head of the Brazilian Forest Service
The fires exposed a startling new truth about Brazil. Far from preserving the forest, the Brazilian Government is allowing the Amazon to be felled at an alarming new rate. In the last year, forest destruction soared by 85%.
“The forest is being destroyed, things are changing. It doesn’t rain as much anymore in the village and the river doesn’t fill up as high.” Tribal Chief
On Monday Four Corners takes you on an epic journey through the Brazilian Amazon to investigate.
“We take you to the heart of the Amazon, where you will meet the people risking their lives to save the rainforest.” Reporter, Sophie McNeill
Far from giving up, Indigenous tribes, scientists and activists are fighting back. Reporter Sophie McNeill goes on the frontline with those risking their lives to patrol the jungle.
“For our future, for our grandchildren, we are ready for combat. If we have to die to protect our reserve, we are ready for that fight.” Tribal patrol leader
Driving along the Amazonian highways and deep into the forest, the Four Corners team captured stunning scenes of natural beauty along with shocking destruction and uncovered widespread illegal activities.
“You have thirty, forty, even fifty people with chainsaws cutting down the forest here. So its massive and fast.” Former Head of the Brazilian Forest Service
On logging trucks and in timber yards, protected treescut down illegally are destined for common building supplies like decking and doors. Cleared land is then used to house cattle being farmed to meet the global demand for meat.
“If it wasn’t for the increase in Chinese consumption we wouldn’t be able to increase production. They don’t have environmental concerns as such.” Farmer
With huge profits to be made, the Amazon is a dangerous place to ask questions.
“The destruction of the rain forest is big business. It is done by criminal networks that usually have armed militias, armed men to protect their business that often involve corrupt officials.” Activist
Despite the threat, the Amazonian tribes want the world to hear their message.
“We will join together to fight and protect the remaining rainforest…We want the forest standing for our children, grandsons and great-grandsons.” Chief
It is replayed on Tuesday 24th March at 1.00pm and Wednesday 25th at 11.20pm. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.
Four Corners: Monday 23rd of March at 8.30pm on ABC
