4. In a forest the crowns of individual trees touch
to form a single canopy. In a woodland, trees
grow far apart, so that the canopy is open.
5. Conversion of forests and woodlands to agricultural land
to feed growing numbers of people.
Development of cash crops and cattle ranching, both of
which earn money for tropical countries.
Commercial logging destroys trees as well as opening up
forests for agriculture
Felling of trees for firewood and building material; the
heavy lopping of foliage for fodder; and heavy browsing of
saplings by domestic animals like goats.
6.
7. The carbon cycle. Forests act as a major carbon store
because carbon dioxide is taken up from the atmosphere
and used to produce the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
that make up the tree.
The water cycle. Trees draw ground water up through
their roots and release it into the atmosphere
(transpiration). With removal of part of the forest, the
region cannot hold as much water. The effect of this could
be a drier climate.
8. Soil erosion and the loss of a protective cover of
vegetation more soil is lost.
The result of soil erosion is the silting of water
courses, lakes and dams.
Extinction of species which depend on the forest for
survival. Forests contain more than half of all species on our
planet - as the habitat of these species is destroyed, so the
number of species declines.
9.
10. Next time you buy a hamburger from a big fast food
chain, think about where the meat has come from - don't
be afraid to ask the manager if you don't know. If it has
been imported from south or central America, the chances
are that rainforest has been cleared to raise the beef cattle -
an expensive price to pay for a burger!
11. Try to walk or cycle to work or school instead of going in
the car. If it is too far away to do this, then take public
transport instead. This will save petrol, which is made from
oil and comes from below the ground and so, like
plastic, can cause the destruction of rainforests.
12. Once you start looking you'll be surprised at just how many
wood products are made from rainforest trees such as
mahogany or teak. In particular, look out for toilet
seats, furniture, picture frames and charcoal. Ask if they
are produced sustainably or if rainforest has been
destroyed in order to produce them.
13. Recycling services are improving quickly: in many
places, paper, glass, aluminum (drinks and food
cans), kitchen and garden waste and plastic bottles are
now collected from your house, office or school just as
your rubbish is collected.
You can also help by making sure you don’t waste paper
and by always using both sides of a piece of paper.
