We caught up with Ross Kemp after his recent trip to the Amazon for new Sky1 HD show Ross Kemp: Battle for the Amazon.
What was your mission?
We travelled to areas of the Amazon basin in Brazil and Ecuador, filming the practices of cattle farming, soya bean farming and oil exploration that are causing rapid de-forestation in the region.
What did you already know?
The Amazon produces a huge proportion of the air and water we need to survive. And we're cutting it down for oil, gold, cocaine, soya and cattle: things we can get from other places, or live without. Our emissions from factories and cars coupled with the destruction of the natural recycler of waste - that's a double whammy for the environment.
What did you learn out there?
That this is an incredibly complex problem. You have to look at the poverty that exists in these countries. We're asking people to put consideration for the trees ahead of putting food in their mouths. We need to educate the people destroying the forests about alternative methods of farming. But education costs money.
What are the key issues?
One hectare of cleared rainforest supports one cow - but on that same hectare of land you could have 80 goats producing cheese, meat and skins. We should be teaching people that instead of burning down 100 hectares of forest, they can live off one hectare quite successfully.
Were you an eco warrior?
Certainly not. But people who argue that our plant's temperature has fluctuated naturally thoughout its existence need to remember that no creature has ever played with climate so dramatically as we have, and in such a short space of time.
How dangerous was your mission?
Our helicopter malfunctioned, which resulted in a heavy landing in Ecuador. We also had two aborted take-offs out of the rainforest in a Cessna, the second time we hit the trees! But although you can see us flying a few times, this is a carbon-neutral documentary. We hope the perspective you get from the air will help show the true scale of the destruction of the rainforest.
What were your experiences on foot?
At one point a scientist took me to the tree canopy, on a scaffold 280ft high. It was swaying massively at the top, but the view was spectacular.
Did you encounter hostility?
When we arrived at one cattle ranch in Brazil, they were very unhappy to see us and our vehicle was 
damaged. But once they found out we were making a documentary, some people spoke to us. Their attitude was, "Who are you to tell us what we can do with out forest?" They have a point.
Has your attitude changed?
Yes, seeing the destruction first hand is depressing. The soil isn't good, so can't sustain grass for more than a few years. The forest ends up cut down to make way for grass. And for what? The world's demand for beef? I left feeling we should all look at our consumer habits and the damaging effect they might have on the furure of our planet.
Ross went to the Amazon as part of Sky 1 HD's campaign throughout April to highlight the de-forestation of the Amazon. To find out more about Sky's Rainforest Rescue and to make a donation click HERE.
