Words by Tess Becker
The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most dense and biodiverse places on the planet, and it's also home to massive deforestation and pollution from industrialized, and farming. But a new climate win in Ecuador is hoping to undo some of that damage.
Ecuadorians voted to halt oil drilling in the biodiverse Amazonian national park
the Yasuní reserve which will benefit a huge range of species as well as ‘uncontacted’ Indigenous peoples.
The vote won by nearly a 20% margin, with 58% of voters voting to protect the region and end oil drilling.
At a time when the climate crisis is intensifying around the world and the Amazon rainforest is fast approaching an irreversible tipping point, Ecuador has become one of the first countries in the world to set limits on resource extraction through a democratic vote.
“Today is a historic day! As a Waorani woman and mother, I feel overjoyed with Ecuadorians’ resounding decision to stop oil drilling in my people’s sacred homeland, said Nemonte Nenquimo, an Indigenous Waorani leader and winner of the Goldman prize for the environment.
“Finally, we are going to kick oil companies out of our territory! This is a major victory for all Indigenous peoples, for the animals, the plants, the spirits of the forest and our climate!”
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Women Invested to Save Earth Fund. This organization helps support underrepresented and underfunded Black, indigenous, and women of color-led organizations across the world. Find out more and support them here.
Florida Bicycle Association. An organization that helps mobilize people and promote greener living and safer biking. Find out more.
Collective Sun. They help nonprofits get outfitted with solar power capabilities. Check them out here.
