Leaders should stop pushing the world towards precipice

The Amazon wildfires are particularly alarming as scientists have said that trees are the planet’s first line of defense against global warming. [Reuters]

Two things have the potential to end life on earth as we know it; nuclear bombs and climate change. Unfortunately, world leaders, who should be at the forefront averting such catastrophes, are busy stocking embers that could eventually burn and wipe out the world.

In Brazil, the Amazon rainforest-aptly called the lungs of the world as it produces an estimated 20 per cent of the world’s oxygen-is on fire, deliberately set ablaze by farmers out to create more room for crops.

Over 72,000 fires have been detected in Brazil since January. In the last two days, almost 4,000 new forest fires have been started, shockingly, with the tacit support of President Jair Bolsonaro. They are following Bolsonaro’s cue; he promised to clear vast tracts of the forest for development when he came to power.

Incredibly, the president has declined US$20 million in aid from the G7 countries, demanding that French President Emmanuel Macron apologises first for calling him rude.

Meanwhile the forest, which absorbs a huge chunk of carbon-responsible for global warming- continues to burn unabated, taking the world a step closer to a climate catastrophe. Ironically, the US, which should lead the world in tackling global warming is in deep slumber; with President Donald trump still denying the threat exists even as adverse weather phenomena such as hurricanes-Dorian is currently headed to America-continue to wreak havoc in his country.

And then there is the threat of nuclear arms. Currently, India and Pakistan, who are tussling over the Kashmir region, are flexing their nuclear muscles, sending shockwaves across the world. Indian defence minister recently announced his country could revoke ‘no first use’–its commitment to only use nuclear arms- if attacked with similar weapons.

In retaliation, Prime Minister Imran Khan also suggested Pakistani could employ nuclear weapons in its conflict with India. If their intention is to scare each other, they should know the world is not amused.

Elsewhere, the US has formally withdrawn from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia, raising fears of a new arms race. Consequently, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has warned of loss of “an invaluable brake on nuclear war”.

Clearly, these leaders have their priorities upside down. They are leading the world down the wrong road. Someone should bring them back to their senses. Quickly.