Amazonia, the Land and the Man - Araújo Lima
Amazonia: The Land and the Man
By Araújo Lima
A sweeping and authoritative history of the Amazon rainforest, from its geological origins to its role in the modern world.
In this magisterial work, Araújo Lima takes readers on a journey through the Amazon rainforest, one of the most biodiverse and important ecosystems on Earth. Drawing on a wealth of historical sources and scientific research, Lima paints a vivid picture of the Amazon's natural history, its human inhabitants, and its role in the global economy.
The Land
The Amazon rainforest is a vast and complex ecosystem that covers an area of over 5.5 million square kilometers. It is home to an estimated 10% of the world's known species, and its biodiversity is still being discovered. The Amazon rainforest is also a major source of oxygen and rainfall, and it plays a vital role in regulating the Earth's climate.
The Man
The Amazon rainforest has been home to humans for thousands of years. The first inhabitants were nomadic hunter-gatherers who lived in small, scattered communities. Over time, these communities grew and developed into complex societies, such as the Inca Empire. The arrival of Europeans in the 16th century had a devastating impact on the Amazon rainforest and its inhabitants. European diseases, such as smallpox and measles, decimated the indigenous population. European colonists also enslaved the indigenous people and forced them to work in the mines and on the plantations.
The Modern World
The Amazon rainforest is still under threat today. Deforestation, climate change, and pollution are all taking a toll on this vital ecosystem. The loss of the Amazon rainforest is a tragedy for the world, as it is a source of irreplaceable biodiversity and a major contributor to the global economy.
A Call to Action
Araújo Lima's book is a powerful call to action. He urges readers to take steps to protect the Amazon rainforest and its inhabitants. We must all work together to ensure that this vital ecosystem is preserved for future generations.
Praise for Amazonia: The Land and the Man
"A magisterial work of scholarship that is both comprehensive and accessible. Araújo Lima has written the definitive history of the Amazon rainforest." —Jared Diamond, author of Guns, Germs, and Steel
"A powerful and moving account of the Amazon rainforest and its inhabitants. Araújo Lima's book is a must-read for anyone who cares about the environment." —Elizabeth Kolbert, author of The Sixth Extinction
"A beautifully written and deeply informative book. Araújo Lima has given us a gift with this book." —Bill McKibben, author of Eaarth