"Listening to the Forest's Cry: Will the World Take Notice?"
In a rare and powerful moment, I sat down with UN Secretary General António Guterres to discuss the urgent plight of Indigenous communities and the planet's biodiversity. This interview was historic not only because it was my first time speaking with someone at his level but also because the United Nations recognizes me as the first Indigenous journalist to exclusively interview him.
The journey to reach my territory in the Amazon took several days by speedboat, navigating treacherous rivers and observing firsthand the devastating impact of climate change. Guterres' eyes widened as he witnessed the Xingu River's dry, greenish hues due to cyanobacteria blooms caused by mining. I asked if he understood the pain of seeing a river change color in his own village, where mercury pollution from mining contaminates the water.
Guterres acknowledged that Indigenous communities are nature's defenders and protectors, but it's clear that humanity has forgotten its place within the natural world. He emphasized the importance of listening to Indigenous voices, particularly at Cop30, which must prioritize truth-telling about human rights violations against Indigenous communities.
The conversation fell silent after half an hour, leaving me with a sense of urgency. The world still needs to listen – not just to speeches but to the sounds of rivers, forests, and the cries of those affected by climate change. It's time for humanity to reforest its deforested thoughts and act with speed to prevent extinction.
As Guterres understands the gravity of the situation, a part of humanity remains in denial, consuming the planet without regard for the consequences. If we continue down this path, the Earth will take revenge.
Yet, there is hope. In the waters, currents, alligators, fish, and plants coexist within the same organism – the Earth. Perhaps that's what they've forgotten: our interconnectedness with nature. As the river flows, even wounded, perhaps humanity will find its way to resistance in the waters.
The question remains: how many others will listen?
In a rare and powerful moment, I sat down with UN Secretary General António Guterres to discuss the urgent plight of Indigenous communities and the planet's biodiversity. This interview was historic not only because it was my first time speaking with someone at his level but also because the United Nations recognizes me as the first Indigenous journalist to exclusively interview him.
The journey to reach my territory in the Amazon took several days by speedboat, navigating treacherous rivers and observing firsthand the devastating impact of climate change. Guterres' eyes widened as he witnessed the Xingu River's dry, greenish hues due to cyanobacteria blooms caused by mining. I asked if he understood the pain of seeing a river change color in his own village, where mercury pollution from mining contaminates the water.
Guterres acknowledged that Indigenous communities are nature's defenders and protectors, but it's clear that humanity has forgotten its place within the natural world. He emphasized the importance of listening to Indigenous voices, particularly at Cop30, which must prioritize truth-telling about human rights violations against Indigenous communities.
The conversation fell silent after half an hour, leaving me with a sense of urgency. The world still needs to listen – not just to speeches but to the sounds of rivers, forests, and the cries of those affected by climate change. It's time for humanity to reforest its deforested thoughts and act with speed to prevent extinction.
As Guterres understands the gravity of the situation, a part of humanity remains in denial, consuming the planet without regard for the consequences. If we continue down this path, the Earth will take revenge.
Yet, there is hope. In the waters, currents, alligators, fish, and plants coexist within the same organism – the Earth. Perhaps that's what they've forgotten: our interconnectedness with nature. As the river flows, even wounded, perhaps humanity will find its way to resistance in the waters.
The question remains: how many others will listen?
~ Theodore Roosevelt
I'm surprised you think it's a bad thing that the world isn't taking notice of Indigenous communities and climate change right now 
. It's been going on for centuries, and we've just recently started to acknowledge the issue. The problem is, we're still not doing enough about it 
. We need to get our act together and start making changes ASAP 
. I mean, have you seen the numbers on deforestation and species extinction? It's heartbreaking 
. And yeah, maybe humanity has forgotten its place in nature, but that's because we've been taught to separate ourselves from the environment and think of it as a resource to be exploited 
. Newsflash: it's not a resource, it's our home 
! So, no, I don't think the world is in denial – I think we're just waking up to the fact that our actions have consequences 
.
We could definitely use some tips on how to live more sustainably.
This interview is like a wake-up call for us all... we're literally sitting on top of the earth and treating it like our personal dumping ground 
. It's time to put our money where our mouth is, you know? 
We've got to take action, not just listen to words. Those Indigenous communities are suffering, and their pain is real 
. I'm still trying to process what the UN Sec Gen said about humanity forgetting its place in nature... it's wild 
. We need to start reforesting our minds as much as we do our planet 
. And can you believe it took an Indigenous journalist for someone at that level to listen? 
It's a step in the right direction, but I'm still hoping more people will wake up and take notice before it's too late 
I'm genuinely impressed by this UN sec-gen goin' on a solo speedboat journey to the Amazon and havin' a sit-down with an Indigenous journalist 
. That interconnectedness thing? I feel like it's the key to savin' ourselves. So yeah, I'm keepin' my fingers crossed that humanity will take notice and start actin' soon 
honestly think this whole thing sounds like some big PR stunt 
. all this "listening to Indigenous voices" stuff is cool and all, but what's the real plan of action here? 
just a bunch of words without any tangible solutions to back it up 
. we've been hearing the same promises for years now, and nothing's ever changed 
. gotta make some concrete changes, not just vague rhetoric 
.
. But seriously, have you guys seen the footage from the Amazon lately? It's heartbreaking.
how many times has he written about this stuff before? not enough, if you ask me.
. I mean, come on, the Xingu River turning green due to mining? That's not something you see every day... or should I say, not something you want to see ever 
. If we keep consuming the Earth without consequences, I don't think there'll be much left to save 
.
. It's time for us to wake up and take action 
.
. I'm not saying it's all easy, but I think we need to give ourselves credit for making progress 
. We need to amplify those voices and support each other 
rather than pitting one side against another 
.
but like, theres hope? if we can learn 2 listen 2 nature & each other then maybe we can turn things around 
its all about the interconnectedness with nature tho 
But until then, I think we're going to see more devastating impacts like the Xingu River's dry, greenish hues - it's just heartbreaking 
It's not just about the Indigenous communities or the animals; it's about our own future. If we don't wake up and start taking care of this beautiful planet, there won't be a world for ourselves to enjoy anymore 
! It's like, the world needs to take notice of our climate crisis and biodiversity issues ASAP 
. Those cyanobacteria blooms are no joke - it's heartbreaking what humans have done to our planet 
Where were these vibes when the UN was all about ignoring deforestation & climate change for years? 
. Can we please focus on restoring our planet instead of just listening to the "cry" of Indigenous communities? 