some interesting and important facts learned on my trip to the Amazon... also some of my personal thoughts at the end :)

- Almost 20% of global carbon emissions come from deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.  As an aside, this is larger than the emissions from all of the transportation sectors combined.  

- The rainforest is one of the largest carbon sinks in the world, along with the oceans.  As the oceans have no further capacity to absorb CO2, any decrease in the amount of forest directly increases the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.

- About 15% of the rainforest has been deforested to date and we are losing 1 to 2% per year at this point.  The tipping point at which the rainforest can no longer sustain itself is at 30% deforestation.  This means that we have about 10 - 15 years to turn the tide.

- Where government parks (for the most part) and indigenous lands have been set aside, the forests are in good shape.  This is due primarily to heroes on the front lines (like ACT and Saude Alegria and Gaias Amazonas and REDD and Imazon) who have empowered the indigenous peoples to protect their lands.  One rule of thumb...where there are indigenous peoples there is intact forest, where there is not, the forest is under pressure.

- The majority of the deforestation comes from logging, cattle farming and soy production on private lands.  This is where the rubber will meet the road in the next 10 - 15 years if we are to prevent the collapse of the rainforest.

- There are growing forces on both sides of the development (highways, logging, farming) versus preservation equation in Brazil.  It is highly likely that solutions will come from within the country (consumer awareness of the consumption of precious resources) and from outside the country (resources to protect the rainforest, compensate landholders for not cutting down the forest).  One encouraging example of an international effort to slow deforestation was the $1B contribution of the Norwegian government this year to Brazil in its efforts.

The good news is that there are many smart and devoted social entreprenuers on the ground working fearlessly to to make sure our future is protected.

The main thing I took away from this trip was how important community is. The villages were " all for one and one for all". I really wish we had a stronger sense of community and togetherness in the USA. But often egos and selfishness get in the way.

Another thing I really appreciated about the social entreprenuers I spent time with on this trip was the way they communicate. One thing that bothers me about some people in Hollywood is that they get mad at you for having a difference in opinion or they think you are dumb for not thinking EXACTLY like them and they make snide remarks and even insult. Since they are rich, successful and "smart" they think that they are always right and know everything.

 The proper way to communicate to listen, try to understand, and respect other peoples POV's. I could go on and on about  the issues I have with some powerful people in Hollywood, but I will leave it at that!

I wish everyone could have the opportunity I did. I realized how spoiled and fortunate we are living in the USA yet so many people bitch and moan and demand perfectionism. People need to wake up and chill out and be grateful for all they have has individuals and all we have as a nation. The easiest place in the world to live!