Viene volando la selva muerta – The dead jungle comes flying
Written by Valeria Berros (UNL) including references to the period in which Stefano Saluzzo (UPO) and Fabio Berca (UPO) were in their secondments 2024 at UNL.
Abstract
Weather apps are currently sending alerts across many provinces and towns in Argentina due to worsening environmental conditions, including warnings about wind and smoke. As the author observes ashes falling in Santa Fe, they reflect on the life lost in ecosystems such as the Pantanal and the Amazon, highlighting the overlooked consequences of wildfires that reduce vibrant biodiversity to mere ashes. The media and society often choose to ignore these devastating realities, assuming the sun will return and the ashes will fade. However, the ongoing wildfires threaten the ecosystems essential for all life, with projections from the UN estimating a 30% increase in wildfires by 2050. The author warns that continued inaction will lead to a catastrophic loss of biodiversity, resulting in a stark future devoid of many species and vital ecological relationships. The article emphasizes the urgent need for societal awareness and action to combat the impacts of climate change, as the smoke from these fires poses direct health risks, further illustrating the deep connection between environmental degradation and human well-being.
