Contents Why are they destroyed? How are they destroyed? Which species are harmed? Effects on the ecosystem Current statistics Conclusion

Why are rainforests destroyed? Rainforests around the world are being destroyed because governments, multi national logging companies and land owners want to use the trees to make wood for timber, the land for farming, pulp for making paper and road construction. Some poor farmers have to use rainforest land because they have nowhere else to live.

How are rainforests destroyed? Rainforests can be destroyed in many different ways. Here are a few:

Which species are harmed? Experts say that we are losing around 137 animals, plants and insects species a day and nearly 50,000 every year because of rainforest destruction! When the rainforests are destroyed lots of birds, insects and animals loose there homes and feeding grounds because they can’t survive without the trees. For example a century ago there were 100,000 tigers in the world now there are less than 3000.

Effects on the eco-system When the trees are destroyed there is less oxygen in the world. If trees are cut down and not replaced there is nothing to keep the top soil in place. In the rainforest where it rains a lot the top soil will be washed away, with no top soil left new trees and plants can’t root properly so they won’t grow. Therefore there won’t be any food for animals and humans.

Current Statistics

Conclusion In conclusion unless drastic action is taken the last remaining rainforests in the world will be consumed in 40 years. We are losing Earths greatest treasures just as we are beginning to realise their true value. We must act right now or the rainforests and the species they support will be gone forever!