November 26, 2013

President Dilma Rousseff Praa dos Trs Poderes, Braslia DF, 70150-900, Brazil

Dear President Dilma Rouseef:

During the past couple of years, the Amazon forest have been depleted of its resources due to deforestation. I respect your decisions as a government official but I think you should address this issue thoroughly. The Amazon forest has a big impact on the planets overall atmospheric component. If the Amazon were to completely deplete, the global temperatures would increase enough to cause problems such as the polar icecaps melting. Humans rely greatly on the Amazon for food and water from surrounding, suffering cities. The Amazon is greatly known for its biodiversity in plant species which in short, can produce astonishing chemicals. These chemicals can then be scientifically conjured together to form some of the worlds best miracles called medicine. Medicine has improved the lives of everyone around the world curing diseases and saving millions of lives, but without the Amazons biodiversity then research for future medicine and vaccines cannot be found. Vital factors are attributed with the Amazon because of its importance to humanity and the progress it can accomplish.

Today, the world is having major issues with the carbon emissions adding onto the atmosphere deteriorating the ozone layer which then effects the environment. The Polar icecaps involving the animal species and its habitat will be predicted to melt completely around the year 2050. I predict that if we humans continue to act the same way, in a few centuries from now the planet will lose about 50% or more of its biodiversity. People need more awareness of this issue and its long-term effects on us as a whole, do we have another place to call home other than Earth? We need to make sure this planet lasts for generations to follow to live in a secure and healthy environment. However, in news surrounding Brazil during the summer of 2012, media was all over the issue with your vote against the Forest Code. This Forest Code was to diminish the protections on the Amazon forest putting the lives of plants, animals, and indigenous peoples. The majority of congress passed the new bill but still need the vote from the countries president, which was you. Even though I was glad you vetoed the bill, there was still unanswered questions about your intentions of vetoing this bill. The veto you did on the Forest Code did nothing to help the Amazon, it received the opposite, and it was hindered.

All the changes made to the Forest Code will result in an increase of deforestation but hope is not lost and you can still change your mind. With more than 300,000 Brazilians who already signed this law, the Zero Deforestation Law, the fight for protection is not over. As a country, I believe you should help pass this law because then there would be opportunity for economic development and environmental protection simultaneously. I entrust that you would make a good decision to lead a path for your country to ensure sustainable development in a productive and environmental way.

Sincerely,

Christian Salt
Christian Salt