Learning about Rainforest

WHAT IS A RAINFOREST  These incredible places cover only 6 % of the Earth's surface but yet they contain MORE THAN 1/2 of the world's plant and animal species!

WHAT IS A RAINFOREST  A Rainforest can be described as a tall, dense jungle. The reason it is called a "rain" forest is because of the high amount of rainfall it gets per year. The climate of a rain forest is very hot and humid so the animals and plants that exist there must learn to adapt to this climate.

WHERE ARE THE RAINFORESTS

Tropical Rain Forests

Tropical Rain Forest Wildlife

Rain Forest Deforestation

PRESERVING THE RAINFORESTS  The world's rainforests are currently disappearing at a rate of 6000 acres every hour. When these forests are cut down, the plants and animals that live in the forests are destroyed, and some species are at risk of being made extinct. Further, as the large-scale harvesting of trees from the rain forests continues, the balance of the earth's eco-system is disrupted. We need the rain forests to produce oxygen and clean the atmosphere to help us breathe. We also know that the earth's climate can be affected, as well as the water cycle.

Threats for RAINFORESTS  Logging companies cut down trees for timber used in flooring, furniture, and other items.  Power plants and other industries cut and burn trees to generate electricity.  The paper industry turns huge area of rain forest trees into pulp.  The cattle industry uses slash-and-burn techniques to clear ranch land.

Threats for RAINFORESTS  Agricultural interests, particularly the soy industry, clear forests for cropland.  Farmers slash-and-burn rain forest for firewood and to make room for crops and grazing lands.  Mining operations clear forest to build roads and dig mines.  Governments and industry clear-cut forests to make way for service and transit roads.

Solutions  Sustainable-logging way that selectively cut trees rather than clear-cut them would save millions of acres of rain forest every year.  Campaigns that educate people about the destruction caused by rain forest timber and encourage purchasing of sustainable rain forest products could drive demand down enough to slow deforestation.

Solutions  Encouraging people who live near rain forests to harvest its bounty (nuts, fruits, medicines) rather than clear-cutting it for farmland would save million of acres.  Government should stop road building and large infrastructure projects in the rain forest.