The 'lungs of the world' are on fire

Over 74,000 fires have been recorded in the Amazon Rainforest in 2019. But, why should YOU care about it? Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest. It covers approx 5.5 million square kilometres of land in South America. It is has 4 times more TREES in the Amazon than stars in the MILKY WAY and it produces 20% of the world's oxygen. It helps to keep the planet cool and is a giant carbon sink. Without it, the Earth will reduce its ability to absorb excess carbon. Illegal gold mining and deforestation are big threats. About 17% of the forest cover has been lost since 1950s. At the current rate, the Amazon forest could be gone in 40 years. If this is not a warning, what is?