Fires are raging around the world, due to factors like climate change yes, but also pure human greed.
Amazon deforestation is exacerbated by climate change, but one of the root causes is soy farming.
Elsewhere in the world, such as Borneo, fires rage to make room for harvesting palm oil. Indonesia has become the third largest emitter of carbon emissions due to deforestation.
Palm oil is an extremely common ingredient in products across the board. So the issue is deeply economical. Alternative solutions must be found - and fast.
One of the main issues is that the fires in these rainforests often get out of control - further threatening the wildlife and settlements in the area. Borneo’s gentle giant - orangutans - have become critically endangered.
As more and more land is cleared and the resources exhausted, the hunt for more land to clear will spread. The rainforests in South America and Southeast Asia are disappearing at an alarming rate - climate change has affected rainfall patterns making the fires even more lethal.
What can we do?
1) Don’t stop traveling. It may seem counterintuitive but at Stride, we believe it’s crucial to visit these places that showcase earth’s natural beauty and incredible wildlife.
The more visceral and real the rainforests (and other threatened destinations) of the world become the more real the need for solutions now becomes.
Try joining a tour that focuses on volunteering or conservation efforts.
2) Give to causes that help protect the wildlife. The Centre for Orangutan Protection is an organization striving to make sure the population doesn’t go extinct and save orangutans that have been orphaned by the fires.
You can also opt in to the Stride Gives Back program to help your tourism dollars go toward various organizations working to minimize the effects of climate change.
3) Avoid buying products that contain palm oil. This isn’t easy. But as much as you can try to shop mindfully and be aware of where commonly used ingredients come from.
