Desperate times call for desperate measures
When laws are ignored and governments corrupt,
what can be done to save the rainforest and the planet?
The Amazon rainforest, the lungs of our planet, is being destroyed at a catastrophic rate. Illegal logging, corporate greed, and political corruption are driving the irreversible destruction of Earth's most biodiverse ecosystem. International agreements have failed. Governments look the other way. The burning continues.
Desperate Measures follows a small group of committed activists who refuse to watch the Amazon die. When traditional approaches fail and legal channels are blocked by corruption, they must make an impossible choice: stand by while humanity's greatest natural treasure is destroyed, or take matters into their own hands.
This provocative eco-thriller explores deforestation, political corruption, and the moral complexities of environmental activism. Can a small group really stop the wanton destruction of the Amazon rainforest? How far would you go to save the planet?
Drawing on current deforestation data and the work of indigenous communities fighting to protect their ancestral lands, Desperate Measures combines heart-pounding suspense with urgent environmental truth. This is the first in a series of eco-thrillers that inform, entertain, and challenge readers to think differently about humanity's relationship with nature.
When desperate times call for desperate measures, what would you do?
Praise for Desperate Measures
“Desperate Measures is hard to put down. The vast rainforest of the Amazon basin is vitally important for our survival. Desperate measures are needed to ensure its survival. This is a truly brilliant book.”
—Ben Goldsmith, Chief Executive, Menhaden Plc.
I was left feeling………was this Book really fictional in its character development. The author has woven the lives of several characters into a thrilling adventure of saving the Rainforest and the Indigenous Amazon communities. The sidebars on chapter changes gave a smooth transition from one group of people to another. Plus, the author added quotes from various well-known people. For me, Desperate Measures was an awakening of the tremendous value of the Rainforest to the whole world.
—Amazon 5-star review
“In this fast-paced and exciting book, J R Childress tells a gripping story while exposing the dynamics of tropical deforestation. The struggle over control over the world’s tropical forests creates heroes and villains and which prevail will determine the fate of our planet.”
—Eric Bettelheim, Conservation Entrepreneur
The book is a gripping contemporary and consequential tale of the deforestation of the Amazon rain forest, the devastating consequences for the indigenous Brazilians, the continuing erosion of biodiversity and, underscores the crucial role of the rain forest to the long term health of the planet.
The story will snare you from the outset and, moves at breakneck speed. Greed, destruction, inquisitive media, damaged politicians, paramilitary action, wealthy benefactors, love interest…it is all there. This book is a thriller and a great read.
— Amazon 5-star review
The Amazon Crisis: Why This Matters
The Amazon rainforest is not just another ecosystem—it's essential to human survival:
The Earth's Lungs: The Amazon produces 20% of the world's oxygen and absorbs massive amounts of carbon dioxide. Its destruction accelerates climate change globally. An area the size of a football field is cleared every minute. In recent years, deforestation rates have accelerated dramatically.
Unmatched Biodiversity: The Amazon contains 10% of all known species on Earth. Scientists estimate one species goes extinct every day due to deforestation—many before we've even discovered them.
Indigenous Communities Under Siege: Millions of indigenous people depend on the rainforest for their survival. Illegal logging and agricultural expansion destroy their ancestral lands and threaten their cultures.
The Tipping Point: Currently, approximately 17% of the Amazon rainforest has been destroyed. Scientists warn the Amazon is approaching an irreversible tipping point. Once 20-25% is destroyed, the entire ecosystem could collapse into savanna—a transformation that would devastate global climate systems.
Corporate Responsibility: Much deforestation is driven by corporate agriculture—cattle ranching, soy production, and palm oil plantations. Products we consume daily are connected to Amazon destruction.
Political Corruption: Weak environmental enforcement, corruption in government agencies, and political leaders who prioritize short-term economic gain over long-term sustainability enable continued destruction.
FAQs About Desperate Measures
Q: Is Desperate Measures based on real deforestation operations? A: Yes. The novel's depiction of illegal logging, corporate agricultural expansion, and political corruption is based on extensive research into actual Amazon deforestation. The statistics, methods, and environmental impact portrayed are drawn from reports by environmental organizations and scientific studies.
Q: Does the book address indigenous rights? A: Absolutely. Indigenous communities are on the front lines of Amazon conservation, and their perspective and rights are central to the story. The novel portrays both the violence they face from illegal loggers and their crucial role in protecting the rainforest.
Q: What can readers learn from this book? A: Readers will understand the scale of Amazon deforestation, the corporate and political systems that enable it, the connection between consumer products and rainforest destruction, and the real organizations and indigenous groups fighting to save the Amazon.
Q: Is this book appropriate for young adults? A: The novel contains realistic depictions of violence and environmental destruction. I recommend it for readers 16 and older.
Q: Are there organizations readers can support? A: Yes. The Rainforest Alliance, Amazon Watch, Mongabay, WWF, and various indigenous rights organizations are doing critical work to protect the Amazon. I include information about these groups in the book.