The destruction of Brazil's Amazon rainforest has reached record levels under the country's Prime Minister Jair Bolsonaro, who is set to go to the polls this Sunday seeking re-election.
There are fears that if he wins a second term, there will be more destruction of the Amazon leading to further problems with catastrophic climate change.
Our planet’s biggest rainforest, the Amazon is home to 30 million people and one of 10 known species on Earth.
It’s known as the ‘lungs of the world’ as its rich vegetation takes carbon dioxide out of the air and releases oxygen back in, tempering the pace of global warming - so protecting it is essential.
But while it may seem daunting, we can all make small changes from home that could have a big impact on protecting this vital ecosystem.
Here we reveal some of the things you can do to help...
Sign a petition
Environmental organisations such as Greenpeace and the Rainforest Trust have petitions on their websites demanding that Bolsonaro saves the Amazon and protects the lands of indigenous communities living there.
After signing them, share petitions on social media to help spread the word.
If you can afford it, you can also donate money to help fund charities’ work in the Amazon.
Waste less food
Brits throw away a massive 9.5 million tonnes of food a year - and 70% of this is intended for human consumption.
Food waste can create greenhouse gas emissions, leading to global warming.
To avoid it, get better at planning in the supermarket, such as deciding what you’ll make in advance and freezing any leftovers and turning down special offers such as three for two that can lead you to buy items you don’t need.
Raise the destruction of the Amazon with your local MP
You can write a letter or email to them for free about the issue, asking them to speak about the impact it has on climate change and asking them to discuss it in Parliament.
Stop using products containing unsustainable palm oil where you can
The vegetable oil is found in a wide range of products, from foods such as biscuits to shower gel and shampoo, but it is a major driver of deforestation and Brazil produces 370,000 tonnes of it a year. The Giki app scans ingredient lists to detect the oil, while items that have the RSPO label indicate the palm oil used in them is sustainable.
Reduce your use of paper
Logging companies cut down trees in the Amazon to make products such as office paper, postal packaging and toilet roll.
Take small steps to use less, for example by using both sides of a piece of paper, buying paper made from recycled pulp and using cloth napkins and getting a subscription with an eco-friendly toilet roll supplier such as Who Gives A Crap.
E at less beef
Demand for the meat has become a key driver in the destruction of the Amazon, with deforestation taking place to make way for places where cows can graze. Try doing Meat Free Mondays or replacing food such as hamburgers with plant-based alternatives.
R educe your carbon footprint
It may seem difficult to know where to start, but there are several small changes you can make to help you minimise your individual carbon footprint.
Walk more instead of driving if you can, take trains instead of flying within the UK, turn down your thermostat by a couple of degrees and avoiding buying clothes from fast fashion brands are ways you can do this.
WWF-UK’s free My Footprint app also has challenges that can help you reduce your impact.
