The Rainforest. Can it be that important?
Sure, the Rainforests can feel far away to us, but the ecosystems there play a crucial role in keeping our planet healthy.
Although Rainforests cover only 2% of the Earth’s surface, these ecological powerhouses are critical to nearly every aspect of the planet’s health – including our very ability to breathe.
The rainforest is home for over 50% of all animal and plant species on Earth. One hectare (2.47 acres) may contain over 750 types of trees and 1500 species of higher plants.
Rainforests play an essential role in maintaining the Earth’s limited supply of fresh water. One-fifth of the world's fresh water is in the Amazon Basin.
The trees in the Rainforest absorb carbon dioxide which help stabilize the Earth's climate, they also create habitats and promote biodiversity, and contribute to the oxygen we humans need to live.
50% of the Rainforests have been destroyed in the past 100 years
Unbelievably, over 200,000 acres of Rainforest are burned every day. That is over 150 acres lost every minute of every day, and 78 million acres are lost every year!
Experts estimates that we are losing 137 plant, animal and insect species every single day due to Rainforest deforestation. That equates to 50,000 species a year.
