Rain Forest Destruction

A Threatened Environment Rain forests cover only 7% of the earth’s surface but contain half the world’s plant and animal species. In the last 30 years, more than 40% of the world’s rain forests have been destroyed. About 27 million acres (an area the size of New England) disappear each year.

Causes of Destruction Logging Cattle ranching Mining Road construction

Impacts of Destruction People depend on rain forests for Food Medicines Clearing of forest areas leads to erosion and unproductive soils. Burning of forest areas releases enormous quantities of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Loss of Biodiversity A small area of rain forest can contain 1500 species of flowering plants 750 species of trees 400 species of birds 160 species of reptiles and amphibians 150 species of butterflies 125 species of mammals

What Can You Do to Help? Boycott companies that use products from rain forest areas. Educate others about rain forests. Invest in rain forest communities. Don’t forget your own back yard. Join a forest conservation group in your area. Start a conservation group if none exists.