You might not have heard that the Amazon is burning (the rainforest, not the packaging monster web-store) and has been burning since August 16th nonstop.

That's because major news networks in the U.S. have been swept up by election fervor, leaving us once again ignorant and disappointed. It's no surprise that news networks today have failed us in talking about what is important, but rather what gains the highest ratings.

The fact is that the Amazon Rainforest is far more important and newsworthy than sixteen or so Democrats running just to run for President. The Amazon holds produces 20% of the Earth's oxygen, holds more than 10% of Earth's species, and is home to several native tribes who risk their lives to protect it. We know the Amazon is important, especially with our environment almost reaching the point of no return.

Once again, politics is primarily the cause. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is known for supporting businesses such as farming, logging, and mining that requires deforestation. The current fire is believed to be caused by cattle ranchers who were aiming to clear land for their cattle to graze. Point being, President Bolsonaro is simply one man who has made and continues to worsen the environment via his treatment of the Amazon.

This points to a bigger question: should federal governments have so much control over their land? Do we need an international force that overrules unreliable political leaders?

When it comes to international relations, there is no governing power among states. The United Nations is capable of agreements and warnings, but does not have the manpower nor the authority to punish or directly regulate the actions of individual states, especially in regards to the use of land. We as inhabitants of this planet are reaching our limit, and need to push for a governing force that has only the planet's interests. Because the planet's interests ensure our existence.

Instagram and other social media platforms have been the tools for spreading information about the Amazon thus far, perhaps it can also bring about a change in the way the world sees the environment: as global property, not national. It's time to talk about what really matters.