Stop Creating Raging Wildfires With Open Burning

Target: Andrés Alencastre, Minister of Agriculture for Peru

Goal: Seek alternatives to open agricultural burning that fuels wildfires and toxic pollution.

A stunning site widely considered a world wonder could have been eradicated forever because of careless burning. A wildfire that spread over 50 acres came perilously close to the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru earlier this summer. The remote mountainous location of the blaze made fire-fighting efforts extra-difficult.

This massive threat began when farmers burned grass for crop preparation. Such open burning practices are still relatively commonplace among farmers living in less populated areas all over the world. Open burning can cause a cascade of problems, though. Aside from wildfire risks, this practice can create atmospheric black carbon in massive doses, which poses an imminent danger to environmental and public health. In addition, evidence suggests that open burning can actually be detrimental to the soil and to the longevity of crops.

Climate conditions, and even the time of day, can greatly impact the effects of open burning. Despite these considerations, regulations on the practice vary widely and are often nonexistent. Moreover, many farmers are not provided the learning materials or resources to adopt no-burn agricultural techniques.

Sign the petition below to urge Peruvian leaders to support and expand these important alternatives.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Minister Alencastre,

The fire that recently threatened Cusco and top tourist draw Machu Picchu was a warning. Open burning helped facilitate this wildfire. If left unchecked, this threatening process could inflict much more expansive damage. Communities will be besieged by more wildfires and public health crises caused by the toxic particulates released. Snow that provides needed nourishment for the environment will melt. Even the farmers who most utilize this practice will suffer as they unknowingly make their land less hospitable to crops.

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition’s Agricultural Initiative is working hard to provide the farming communities of Peru with the education and resources to understand and deploy no-burn alternatives. They need broad support and investment, however. Please make finding sustainable solutions to the open burning problem a top priority. Heed the urgent warning before more invaluable lands and communities are in the line of fire.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Martin St-Amant