The United Nations stated that Indigenous communities are “Guardians of the Environment.” Now, a climate change documentary shares what we can learn from them in their struggle to protect our planet.
Deforestation is impacting us all. Whether directly or indirectly, whether we realize it or not, when we lose trees, we lose quality of life. Trees have an amazing capacity to absorb CO2 and slow the pace of rising temperatures and climate change. Trees help the soil to retain water and nutrients and provide food security for wildlife and humans. While you and I might not directly feel the impact of worsening air quality, higher temperatures, soil erosion, or the loss of biodiversity from deforestation, those who directly live within some of our world’s most vital forests feel the consequences everyday. And they have been fighting against deforestation for decades.
The climate change documentary “We Are Guardians” takes a look at this fight from 2019 to 2022 to share with the world the story of Indigenous environmental activists and what we can learn from their movement to fight back against deforestation and climate change. Too often Indigenous activists have been overlooked. But, as the United Nations noted, Indigenous communities knowledge and insights about our planet are one of the most important pieces in the puzzle to solving climate change and protecting our future. So, why aren’t we learning more from them?
Vote With Your $$$ Against Deforestation
Told through the eyes of Indigenous activists, the award-winning climate change documentary is both a warning and a message of resilience and hope. It’s also a call to action that exposes the money trail driving illegal deforestation. And, it offers ways for us all- whether we live close to the Brazilian Amazon or the Mississippi River- to vote with our dollars and support Indigenous activists. The film’s website offers a comprehensive map showing the companies whose products are driving deforestation and the corporate funders of these companies. By educating ourselves about who these companies are and avoiding their products, collectively we can divest money away from these companies and deforestation.
Another everyday step we can make to avoid funding deforestation is to buy wood products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Paper and wood products made with wood under this certification are responsibly sourced to avoid deforestation, maintain forests, and protect and preserve old growth and biodiversity. They are not illegally invading the lands of Indigenous communities. Rather, they are working with Indigenous communities to support preservation and conservation efforts and work with them to uphold and support their rights and customs.
Protect Indigenous Cultures
Preserving the Amazon rainforest and taking action against deforestation is considered vital to our survival. According to the United Nations, which has deemed Indigenous communities as “guardians of the environment,” and that their survival is “vital to our survival.” This climate change documentary not only highlights their mission to protect the land, but also their struggles as their fight against illegal timber, cattle ranch, and mining markets and how it oftentimes costs them their lives.
Deforestation Dropped. How Are Brazilians Saving The Amazon?
“Five percent of the world’s population is Indigenous, and we protect 80% of the remaining biodiversity on the planet,” Puyr Tembé, an Indigenous activist says in the film. “At least 600 of us land defenders have been murdered since 2014.” Demand justice and protection for this community by emailing the Brazilian government to help them, evict invaders from their lands, and bring the killers to justice. You can also spread the message across social media by using templates to share the facts.
Become A Guardian In Your Town
Forests around the globe are under threat of deforestation. In 2022, the world lost 16 million acres of forest. The long-term effects – losing a source of air and water purification and carbon sinks- far outweighs the short-term economic gains. And, these impacts are just scratching the surface at what happens when we lose too many acres of our trees. Trees play a major role in regulating temperatures and protecting them is vital to meeting climate goals and staving off climate change. “The Indigenous people’s struggle is a struggle for all of us, not just those in the territory,” says Edivan Guajajara, a member of Maranhão state’s Guajajara people. “It’s a fight for all of humanity.”
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You don’t have to travel to the Amazon to become involved in fighting against deforestation. Most likely there are environmental and social issues you can become involved in in your hometown. Protect the natural spaces in your areas and advocate against deforestation in regions close to where you live. To help you get started there is a toolkit you download containing educational resources, social media templates, and more you can use to begin advocating and becoming a guardian against deforestation and climate change.
