Amazon at risk: economic and environmental challenges and strategies for a sustainable future

Abstract

The aim of this text is to analyze the environmental and social risks that the Amazon faces due to the expansion of economic activities and the exploitation of natural resources, focusing on the need for integrated policies and sustainable actions to preserve the biome. The Amazon, considered the lungs of the world, is vital for global climate regulation and biodiversity. However, it faces severe threats from deforestation, climate change, and economic pressure. The study is justified by the urgency of finding solutions that balance economic development with environmental preservation, preventing irreversible damage from occurring. The work was conducted through a comprehensive literature review, analysis of environmental and socio-economic data, and case studies on the implementation of public policies in the Amazon region. The interdisciplinary approach allowed an integrated understanding of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of human activities in the Amazon. The results indicate that, despite advances in some conservation areas, the expansion of agricultural frontiers and the exploitation of natural resources continue to exert significant pressure on Amazonian ecosystems. The study highlights the importance of more effective public policies and international cooperation to mitigate the impacts. The study concludes that the preservation of the Amazon requires a multifaceted approach that includes targeted conservation policies, incentives for sustainable economic practices, and greater participation of local communities. Only through coordinated actions will it be possible to ensure the sustainability of the biome and its essential ecosystem services for the planet.