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PARADISE IS ON FIRE [1]

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Date: 2023-04-28  

Paradise in better times

I love to read the thoughtful, positive posts every day on the Kos. I would love to post such a thing today, but no, alas. Because I think this story deserves to be covered. I can’t find anything in the MSM: significant parts of Central America are incinerating themselves.

20 years ago my spouse and I stumbled upon this gem of a place called Roatan, north of the Honduran mainland, one of the three Bay Islands of Honduras. It was like a paradise — beautiful, laid back, with a mostly pristine reef and crystal blue Caribbean waters. We came, we built, we were happy and lucky. Except for the COVID years, we have visited every year since.

About 3 days ago I awoke to the picture you see on the right. Same view is on the left, in better times. The reality is much worse than the picture. I know that smell — the smell of smoke and forest fires. 3 years ago in Northern California where we live, one day everything was suddenly on fire.

Every year, Central American farmers burn their fields in an outdated, antiquated method of clearing them for planting. It’s usually self-limiting, but when you add in climate change and a prolonged drought, you will inevitably create massive, out-of-control forest fires. Airports are closed, people are hunkering down indoors if they can, praying for a wind or some desperately needed rain. But many people have to work outside, and it is catastrophic for their lungs. It’s like living in the middle of hell.

I know some NGOs have worked long and hard to change these practices but they are struggling against entrenched ideas and practices that people with few options and little control over their livelihoods will not give up easily. Meanwhile, children in particular continue to suffer in a country where lung disease is endemic.



I wish I had an answer, any answer. But at least I think the word should get out. Maybe the First World nations can redouble our efforts to help farmers improve their fields without exacting such a terrible toll on themselves, their families, and the planet.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/4/28/2166474/-PARADISE-IS-ON-FIRE

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