The rainforest is one of the most vital ecosystems that we have. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most endangered. The rainforest, which covers only 6% of the Earth’s surface, is home to over 50% of the world’s plant and animal species. The following are 10 facts about the rainforest that will shock you.
1. The rainforest is disappearing at an alarming rate. Every year, an area of the rainforest larger than the size of Belgium is lost.
2. Deforestation is the primary cause of the rainforest’s disappearance. The forests are being cut down to make way for agriculture, logging, and mining.
3. The loss of the rainforest is a major contributor to climate change. The trees in the rainforest absorb massive amounts of carbon dioxide, which helps to regulate the climate.
4. The rainforest is home to over 400 indigenous tribes, many of which have never had contact with the outside world.
5. The rainforest is a pharmacy of natural medicines. Around 25% of the medicines we use today come from rainforest plants.
6. The rainforest is also a source of food for millions of people around the world. The fruits, vegetables, and nuts that we eat are all derived from plants that originated in the rainforest.
7. The loss of the rainforest is having a devastating effect on wildlife. It is estimated that around 137 plant, animal, and insect species are lost every day due to rainforest destruction.
8. The rainforest is also a source of clean water. The trees in the rainforest absorb water from the soil and release it back into the atmosphere, which creates rain.
9. The rainforest is home to many endangered species, including the orangutan, the jaguar, and the harpy eagle.
10. Rainforests are often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth” because they produce oxygen. In fact, the Amazon rainforest alone produces around 20% of the world’s oxygen.
In conclusion, the rainforest is a critically important ecosystem that is under threat. If action is not taken soon to protect the rainforest, the consequences will be dire not only for the animals and indigenous populations that live there but also for the entire planet. Everyone can play a part in protecting the rainforest by supporting sustainable practices and reducing consumption of products that contribute to deforestation.
