Brazilian artist Mundano has created a large mural in São Paulo, incorporating ash and mud from natural disasters to highlight climate change and deforestation in the Amazon. The mural features Indigenous activist Alessandra Korap and addresses corporate accountability, specifically targeting Cargill, a major soybean producer contributing to deforestation. Mundano aims to raise awareness of the dire environmental issues facing Brazil, emphasizing the connection between droughts and floods.
Mundano, a Brazilian artist and activist, has recently unveiled a striking mural in São Paulo that serves as a poignant commentary on the pressing issue of climate change. This extensive mural, measuring over 30 meters in height and 48 meters in width, incorporates unique materials such as ash and mud, collected from various natural disasters across Brazil. The artwork depicts the desolate remnants of trees on cracked, brown soil, symbolizing the rampant deforestation and severe drought impacting the Amazon rainforest. Prominently featured in the mural is Indigenous activist Alessandra Korap, who is adorned with a floral crown and holds a sign bearing the message: “Stop the destruction keepyourpromise.” This message targets Cargill, one of the world’s largest soybean producers, whose operations are a significant contributor to deforestation in the Amazon region. Cargill has publicly committed to eliminating deforestation from its supply chain in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay by 2025, yet Mundano seeks to hold the company accountable for its actions. In an interview, Mundano expressed his frustrations regarding the exploitation of Brazil’s natural resources, stating, “We are tired of being a country, a continent where we and the natural resources we have here are exploited. … We have to regenerate our planet instead of destroying it.” This mural not only addresses current environmental issues but also serves as a stark reminder of the detrimental effects of human activity on ecosystems. Recent wildfires, attributed to human activities, have ravaged protected areas within the Amazon, contributing to compromised air quality across several Brazilian cities. Current drought conditions pose a significant risk, with weather predictions suggesting that these adverse conditions will persist. Data from Brazil’s disaster warning center, Cemaden, reveals alarming figures: as of October 22, the Amazon’s Negro River measured at 12.46 meters, still approximately six meters below historical averages. These conditions spotlight the interconnectedness of droughts and floods exacerbating the ecological crisis in Brazil. Mundano’s mural, which he calls his largest to date, draws materials from various tragic events, including a severe flood in Rio Grande do Sul earlier this year, which resulted in substantial loss of life and displacement. Utilizing materials collected from waste containers in São Paulo as well as clay from Indigenous lands, Mundano emphasizes the holistic relationship between different environmental issues, stating, “From floods to droughts, everything is connected!” This powerful work echoes a similar mural he created three years ago, which depicted the consequences of deforestation. Reported by Eléonore Hughes and Felipe Campos Mello for the Associated Press, the mural serves as a critical reflection of the urgent need for climate accountability and advocacy.
Brazil is facing a climate crisis marked by extreme weather events, including significant droughts and devastating floods, largely fueled by human activity. Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has implications not only for local ecosystems but also for global climate patterns. The agriculture industry, particularly soybean production, is a major driver of deforestation in Brazil, prompting activists like Mundano to advocate for change and corporate accountability. The impact of wildfires and fluctuating river levels in the Amazon serve as indicators of the ongoing environmental challenges. As these conditions worsen, public awareness and activism have become increasingly critical in addressing climate change and demanding sustainability from corporations.
The mural by Mundano serves as a powerful visual statement on the interconnectedness of climate disasters and corporate responsibility. Highlighting the urgency of addressing deforestation and supporting Indigenous activists in Brazil, this project not only raises awareness about environmental issues but also calls for accountability from major corporations like Cargill. As climate impacts continue to escalate, such artistic endeavors play a vital role in fostering public discourse and inspiring action to protect the planet.
Original Source: learningenglish.voanews.com
