DAVE ROSS

Ross: Instead of Greenland, how about we buy the Amazon?

Aug 26, 2019, 9:08 AM | Updated: Aug 27, 2019, 11:49 am

Amazon rain forest wild fire...

The Amazon rain forest continues to deal with fires. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

(AP Photo/Leo Correa)

I read yet another scientific article warning that we have maybe two years to stop pumping carbon into the air, or climate change will be – shall we say – baked in.

Ross: Another climate change report says we’re doomed

And yet nobody seems to be overly concerned. Governor Jay Inslee ran for president specifically on climate change but had to drop out, after failing to break 1 percent in polls.

And then, right on cue, a glimpse of our dystopian future:

“Wildfires raging in Brazil’s Amazon Rain forest are so large the smoke can be seen from space,” reported CBS News correspondent Norah O’Donnell.

You’d think Brazil would be rushing to protect the rain forest, but the nation’s leaders have argued that protecting the Amazon could be detrimental to its economy.

To that, I ask: Really? Can your economy thrive when your customers are gasping for air?

It’s worth noting, the Amazon region produces a fifth of the world’s oxygen. That strikes me as a very crucial export.

Could PNW kids suing over climate change force lawmakers to act?

And yet, the world’s economic system is so screwed up that there’s no commercial reward for producing oxygen. In fact, it’s just the opposite.

So here’s an idea — if the President is hot to buy more territory, please, buy the Amazon! Or even better, I’ll bet there’s some obscure law that would let him order Jeff Bezos to buy the Amazon. In a pinch, he could deliver the oxygen directly to your safe room.

Please follow our Community Guidelines

Dave's Commentary

Dave Ross on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM
  • listen to dave rossTune in to KIRO Newsradio weekdays at 5am for Dave Ross on Seattle's Morning News.

Dave Ross

Image: From left, Chris Sullivan, Dave Ross and Colleen O'Brien stand together in the KIRO Newsradi...

MyNorthwest Staff

Dave and Colleen’s final ‘SMN:’ KIRO colleagues, politicians say their goodbyes

"Seattle's Morning News" on KIRO Newsradio will soon have a new sound. On Thursday, Dave Ross and Colleen O'Brien will host their last show together after a decade of co-hosting.

2 years ago

Classical literature on bookshelves. (Photo by Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)...

Dave Ross

Dave Ross as you’ve never heard him before: ‘I like fat books and I can’t deny’

"This song, inspired by one of my first interviews when I started my talk show, which was Sir Mix-A-Lot," Dave Ross said.

2 years ago

national debt...

Dave Ross

‘Don’t cut a cent:’ Dave Ross on why the national debt never gets under control

The national debt now exceeds $36 trillion, and every president says it has to be under control. And yet, it never is.

2 years ago

voters hormone...

Dave Ross

Ross: Voters weren’t just voting for change, they were voting for a hormone

The more I read the post-election analysis, the more I’m convinced voters weren’t just voting for a change – they were voting for a hormone.

2 years ago

ross o'brien - Seattle's Morning News...

Frank Sumrall

Dave Ross, Colleen O’Brien departing after co-hosting ‘Seattle’s Morning News’ for a decade

Dave Ross and Colleen O'Brien, the co-hosts of "Seattle's Morning News" on KIRO Newsradio are both leaving the show.

2 years ago

election day...

Dave Ross

Dave Ross: Election Day and Decision Day are two separate things

Tomorrow is Election Day – that’s what the calendar says. But there are two problems with the term "Election Day."

2 years ago

Ross: Instead of Greenland, how about we buy the Amazon?