Forests are the ‘lungs’ of the planet. Their trees make much of the oxygen we breathe. Forests provide us with food and timber. Some medicines are made from plants found only in forests.
Are forests in danger?
Forests are in danger in many parts of the world. In some countries trees are killed by acid rain. Elsewhere, whole forests are cut down for their timber, or to make way for farm land.
What is being done to save forests?
Some governments have stopped cutting down the forests on their land. Many forests that are left are protected by law. Also, new forests are being planted, to grow timber like any other crop. It is grown to be cut down.
Amazing! Since 1980, an area of tropical forest six times the size of France has been turned into farm land, or plantations of oil palm, rubber and other crops.
Is it true? Soil erosion can be seen from space.
Yes. Trees keep soil in place. Where forests are cleared the soil wears away, or erodes, until only rock is left.
Picture Credit : Google
