The Amazon rainforest is one of the biggest forests on the planet. It contains large biodiversity and contributes to the world's oxygen supply in a massive way. It appears obvious that such a wonder of nature should be protected and conserved with all means possible.

While this might sound evident to most people, unfortunately it's not the case in reality. The Amazon rainforest is in reality seriously endangered with heavy deforestation and pollution. The consequences of these actions aren't just the loss of biodiversity but they also affect the lives of many people every day in a way unknown to most people in developed countries.

Deforestation 

Deforestation is the biggest danger to the Amazon. The entirety of the Amazon rainforest lies on the territory of industrially developing nations that are in desperate need of resources to drive their economies. The rainforest comes in very handy for this purpose. Politicians of these countries acknowledge the natural hazards of deforestation but they claim that for the well-being of their country they have no choice then to export logs and products manufactured from wood.

The statistics regarding the deforestation of the Amazon are very terrifying. If someone claims the contrary then please refer to the following statistics: Since 1970 around 20% of the rainforest has been cut down; every year the rate of deforestation of the Amazon is increasing considerably despite international pressures; the total area of current deforestation is almost of the size of Texas or almost two times that of Peru.

So, not matter what kind of information you read before this, the message that the data above conveys is very terrifying. And if you think that it's not a problem since new trees are being planted in the place of the old ones then you are wrong. The deforested areas are being used as pastures or agricultural land, meaning no new trees will be planted whatsoever.

Amazon watch already pointed out on multiple occasions that if deforestation continues it will soon reach a point where the forest will not be able to recover anymore.

Pollution

Pollution is another serious concern to the biodiversity of the rainforest. With the industrialization of countries like Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia the rainforest is seriously engendered through the use of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemical compounds. Not only do these kill wildlife and insect live, they also have a negative effect on people's health.

Indigenous People of the Amazon

What most people actually aren't aware of is that the Amazon rainforest is populated by a large number of indigenous tribes and peoples. Most people would think that deforestation and the other enumerated problems don't affect these people since their rights are respected. In reality this is totally wrong.