Have you heard that forests are the lungs of the earth? Forests play a crucial role in keeping our planet liveable. When Man, out of his greed, destroys trees with chainsaws, fire and building materials, he is destroying the planet’s biodiversity and habitability.
About 30 per cent of the world’s land area is covered by forests. However, they are being cut down at an alarming rate, and this is called deforestation. Felling of trees deprives the forest of portions of the canopy that blocks the sun’s rays during the day and holds in heat at night.
These disruptions lead to more extreme temperature swings that can be harmful to plants and animals.
Trees also help maintain the water cycle by returning water vapour back into the atmosphere. If there are not enough trees to play this role, many forestlands can quickly turn into barren deserts. Trees also play a critical role in absorbing carbon dioxide. Since more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will mean increase in the speed and severity of global warming, forests are playing a vital role in preserving life on Earth.
Picture Credit : Google