When we’re in a crisis as dire as the wildfires currently devastating the Amazon rainforest, you’d hope that everyone in a position of power would step in to do what they can. Sadly, that hasn’t quite been the case. Thankfully, Leonardo DiCaprio’s foundation just launched a fund to fight the Amazon wildfires, pledging $5 million toward efforts to protect the rainforest. We’re hopeful that both DiCaprio’s funds and the attention he’s putting on this crisis will help yield significant progress, and start to put this nightmare behind us.
Earth Alliance was founded in July by DiCaprio, Laurene Powell Jobs, and Brian Sheth. The Oscar winner announced the creation of the Amazon Forest Fund on Instagram on August 25, outlining the fund’s purpose and how it fits in with Earth Alliance’s overall mission. The post describes their goal as “[focusing] critical resources for indigenous communities and other local partners working to protect the life-sustaining biodiversity of the Amazon against the surge of fires currently burning across the region.”
The caption continues: “Join Us. 100 percent of your donation will go to partners who are working on the ground to protect the Amazon. Earth Alliance is committed to helping protect the natural world. We are deeply concerned about the ongoing crisis in the Amazon, which highlights the delicate balance of climate, biodiversity, and the wellbeing of indigenous peoples.”
We’re hoping DiCaprio’s 34.3 million Instagram followers will take this as a cue to recognize the level of crisis we’re facing, and do everything in their power to help fight these wildfires. If you’re seeking a way to help the Amazon, we’ve compiled this list. The Amazon rainforest has now been burning at a record rate for three weeks; efforts to stop these fires need all the help they can get.
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