Green: Death of the Forests is an eye-opening visual essay filmed by Patrick Rouxel. The film, told with no human commentary, explores the impact of deforestation and the exploitation of natural resources in Indonesia as seen through the eyes of a dying orangutan named Green. Rouxel uses the film to explore the natural world and it's biodiversity before countering it with images of their destruction. The film also explores animal cruelty and shows the impact that deforestation has on their habitats. Watch the video above but be warned that it does contain upsetting scenes including the mentioned cruelty to animals.
The main reason why so many forests are being destroyed in Indonesia is the creation of pulp and paper plantations and palm oil estates. These industries are critical to the country's growth and trade on the international market. This wealth has lead to greed and corruption, as the Indonesian government has been accused of taking bribes and allowing deforestation to continue in spite of international efforts to curb the destructive nature of these industries.
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| One of many studies that have been completed that examine the trend of deforestation. |
Asia Pulp & Paper, based in Singapore, is one of the world's largest pulp and paper companies in the world. They claim on their website that they obtain 80-90% of the fiber for paper making from sustainable plantations. However, the company has been involved in many environmental controversies and has been accused of being involved in illegal logging in Cambodia and Indonesia. APP has also breached agreements with three major environmental organizations. English writer George Monbiot states that "Asia Pulp and Paper could make fair claim to being one of the most destructive companies on the planet".
Greenpeace has led the charge against APP and the destruction of the Indonesian rain forests. Through investigations and petitions they have shined the spotlight on the horrors that are taking place in the country. The harm that is being done in Indonesia is difficult to summarize because it is so extensive in a number of ways. The high level of greenhouse gas emissions has placed Indonesia in the top three worst offenders in the world, preceded only by the United States and China. Efforts by the U.N. have been mostly ignored by officials in the country as well. To read more about APP read this story written by Andy Tait of the Guardian.
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| A truck carrying logs to be processed at a pulp and paper factory on Sumatra island, Indonesia. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) |
It's my hope that things will change but I'm doubtful. Indifference and greed are the cornerstone of today's society and people are too lazy to demand change. You need to understand that demand is the only way change will happen. Silent protest not only accomplishes nothing but goes a long way to supporting the cause you are vocally against.
If you want those who are responsible to be punished for their crimes of greed, corruption and harmfulness then learn all you can about APP and the deforestation of Indonesia. Take that knowledge and share it with others. Write to Greenpeace and your local government. Demand that retailers who carry APP products remove them from their shelves. If you're disgusted with the actions in Indonesia and the harm it is doing to the environment and the animals and people who lives within it then do something.
Many of these products are likely sold in discount stores I suspect. People like to pay less without reading the labels. The other issue is that the rainsforests are very difficult to regenerate and the habitat is so specialized.
ReplyDeleteActually until recently both Wal Mart and Staples carried APP products. Mattel also used it in their packaging.
ReplyDeleteThe first minute of that Documentary is already depressing. I've heard that Indonesia in particular needs to stop deforestation and improve there green intentions. Apparently they have a ridiculous amount of endangered animals that can only survive in specific areas and in specific altitudes on the islands, so even the slightest changes in ecozones could put certain plants and animals extinct almost immediately.
ReplyDeleteI would write to Greenpeace, but I would probably mail it to them with each word receiving its own piece of paper. I'd also include a voucher for a free box of frozen hambur... oh wait.
ReplyDeleteI may consider taking up wif the gubmint though.
I agree with Brad; eating animals and destroying their habitat is wrong. In university I read a wonderful book called 'The Lives of Animals' by J.M. Coetzee, which presents a compelling dialectical argument for the respect of all animal kind. I highly recommend it if you're interested in animal welfare.
ReplyDeleteEating animals?
DeleteI have an idea why don't we stop making paper and killing animal habitats. AND why don't we stop being idiots and allowing innocent animals to be hurt in the process! Awesome post Brad, that documentary looks really interesting and I think I will watch it, although I already know it is going to aggravate me like crazy.
ReplyDeleteBrad, as much as it kills me to admit it this is a pretty awesome post. You had me when you mentioned orangutans haha they were my all time favourite animal to visit at the zoo when I was younger. I'll admit I didn't watch the documentary though, although I will put it on my list of things to do for when I have an extra hour to kill.
ReplyDeleteI love reading your posts. They're always so informative and eye opening. This one particularly is of interest to me - for obvious reasons. It is disheartening that so much beauty and life of the earth is destroyed each and every day.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoy them. Be sure to return every Sunday for a new post.
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