Trees We are:
Trees Why are Trees important to the world? Activity: What do trees give us?
What do trees give us? Wood for fuel and materials Oxygen Food via fruit, nuts, sap and roots Shelter Did you think of any others?
Trees
Trees are Disappearing This is called “deforestation”
Trees are Disappearing Deforestation Deforestation is the permanent destruction of forests in order to make the land available for other uses. An estimated 18 million acres (7.3 million hectares) of forest, which is roughly the size of the country of Panama, are lost each year, according to the United Nations. 1. About half of the world's tropical forests have been cleared (FAO)FAO 2. Forests currently cover about 30 percent of the world’s land mass (National Geographic)National Geographic 3. Forest loss contributes between 6 percent and 12 percent of annual global carbon dioxide emissions (Nature Geoscience)Nature Geoscience 4. About 36 football fields worth of trees lost every minute (World Wildlife Fund (WWF)World Wildlife Fund
Trees are Disappearing Deforestation – Why? 1. To make more land available for housing and urbanization 2. To harvest timber to create commercial items such as paper, furniture and homes 3. To create ingredients that are highly prized consumer items, such as the oil from palm trees 4. To create room for cattle ranching 5. For fuel
Trees are Disappearing Deforestation – Consequences 1. Climate change – As more carbon dioxide is produced 2. Loss of species – As they lose their home 3. Less water – As less is released into the atmosphere 4. To create room for cattle ranching – For beef for consumption 5. For fuel – For cooking and warmth
Farmer Amsalu Haile: A National Hero
"Orchards for Africa Earth Day Challenge“. One of the resources we provide to farmers is an apple orchard For $25 we can provide the resources for a family to grow, eat and sell surplus fruits to improve nutrition and increase their income. For around only $1 per student, you can change lives in rural Africa forever. You Can Make a Difference