Amazonia - Abramovay, Ricardo

Amazonia: A New History of the World's Largest Rainforest

In his groundbreaking book, Amazonia, Ricardo Abramovay offers a new history of the world's largest rainforest. Drawing on a wealth of new research, Abramovay argues that the Amazon is not a pristine wilderness, but rather a complex and dynamic region that has been shaped by human activity for centuries.

A Thriving Ecosystem

The Amazon rainforest is home to an astonishing array of plant and animal life. It is estimated that the rainforest contains 10% of the world's known species, and many more species are yet to be discovered. The rainforest is also a vital source of oxygen and rainfall, and it plays a key role in regulating the global climate.

A History of Human Interaction

Humans have been living in the Amazon rainforest for thousands of years. Indigenous peoples have developed sustainable ways of living in the rainforest, and they have a deep understanding of its ecology. However, the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century brought about a wave of destruction. European colonists clear large areas of rainforest for agriculture and mining, and they introduced diseases that decimated the indigenous population.

The Modern Amazon

Today, the Amazon rainforest is facing a new wave of threats. Deforestation, climate change, and pollution are all taking a toll on the rainforest. The rainforest is also home to a number of conflicts, including land disputes, drug trafficking, and illegal logging.

A Call to Action

Abramovay argues that we must take action to protect the Amazon rainforest. The rainforest is a vital part of our planet, and its destruction would have devastating consequences for the global climate and biodiversity. We must work together to find sustainable ways to live in harmony with the rainforest.

Why You Should Read This Book

Amazonia is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the environment, history, or the future of our planet. Abramovay's book is a powerful and persuasive call to action. It is a book that will change the way you think about the Amazon rainforest.

Praise for Amazonia

"A magisterial work of scholarship. Abramovay has written the definitive history of the Amazon rainforest." - Jared Diamond, author of Guns, Germs, and Steel

"A powerful and urgent call to action. Abramovay shows us that the fate of the Amazon rainforest is inextricably linked to the fate of our planet." - Elizabeth Kolbert, author of The Sixth Extinction

"A must-read for anyone who cares about the future of our planet." - Bill McKibben, author of Eaarth