WHY ARE TROPICAL RAINFORESTS SO IMPORTANT?

The rainforests are part of an ancient and complex ecosystem that circles the equator and acts as one of the world’s most effective carbon sinks.

Unfortunately, they are being destroyed at a rate of 6 million hectares a year – an incredible number to comprehend but it works out to be the size of two football pitches every second!

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Rainforests control the global climate and create much of the planets rainfall – something that is absolutely vital for the future of our global agricultural needs.

They also contain an astonishing array of biodiversity that our modern and future medicines rely on, but we need to remember that they are also home to some of the poorest populations on earth.

If deforestation could be stopped in its tracks then it would give world leaders time to create low carbon economies on which all of our futures depend.

If the deforestation of the rainforests remains unchecked it will result in billions of environmental refugees, irregular and uncertain food production, a lack of fresh water and the increasing spread of disease.

In addition, climate change will occur faster with even more dramatic effect, and the environmental systems that we rely on for our drinking water, food, fuel, and medicines will become drastically threatened. To make things worse the natural environmental processes that we take for granted i.e. the purification of air and water, the de-detoxification of soils and flood prevention will also be harmed.

To put it more clearly it will adversely affect every man, woman, and child on the entire planet.

For related articles click onto the following links:
THE RAINFOREST
WHAT IS ‘SLASH AND BURN’ FARMING AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT THE RAINFORESTS?
WHERE IS THE RAINFOREST?
WHY IS THE AMAZON RAINFOREST BEING DESTROYED?
WHY IS THE SEA SALTY?
WHY SHOULD WE PROTECT THE RAINFOREST?

WWF: Why is the Amazon rainforest important?