The Consequences of Tropical Rainforest Destruction

The six hottest years of the century occurred in the last decade, and global temperatures are beginning to rise. This appears to be the result of the greenhouse effect caused by the millions of tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) our cars, factories and power plants discharge into the atmosphere. Tropical rainforests are especially good at trapping CO2. Yet trees that are cut down cannot act as carbon traps, and when they are burned more carbon is released into the air which of course magnifies the problem.

Rainforests cover only 5% of the earth's surface yet over half of the world's species live in them. 25% of all known medicines contain compounds from rainforest plants, yet only 1% of the plants have been tested for their medicinal qualities. A large proportion of the most important basic foods known to man have their origins in the rainforests.

Unfortunately these nurseries are being eradicated at an alarming rate. Unless conservation efforts in the tropics are intensified most rainforests will disappear early next century.

• The Physical Environment
• Rainforest Plants
• Rainforest Animals
• Peoples of the Rainforest
• Rainforest Destruction
• What can be done to save the Rainforests?
• The Consequences of Tropical Rainforest Destruction
• Suggested Further Reading