Why Forests and Trees are Important for the Environment

Forests are estimated to cover between 5 and 10 percent of the total surface of the earth. This is a staggering statistic, but even more staggering is the fact that just a few years ago this number was almost double.

The planet's forests are disappearing at an alarming rate. But what does this mean, and why are forests so important for the environment?

First of all, rainforests are often called the lungs of the planet. Trees (and other vegetation) absorb carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) and replace it with oxygen, which all animals depend on for survival. If there were no tress in the world, there would be less oxygen, and we would find it more and more difficult to survive. Another amazing statistic is that 20 percent of the world's oxygen is produced in the Amazon rainforest.

But turning harmful carbon dioxide into oxygen is not all forests are useful for. The great rainforests are home to millions of different species of plants, animals and insects. In fact, more than half of world's total number of plants and animals live in tropical rainforests.

Trees, by their very nature are tall, and therefore require deep penetrating roots to hold them into the ground. Their strong roots also benefit the soil, literally holding the ground together and protecting it against flooding and erosion. The tall tress also shelter thousands of smaller plants and animals from the harmful rays of the sun.

An estimated 80 percent of the developed world's diet comes from the tropical rainforest. Many fruits such as coconuts, oranges, lemons grapefruits and pineapples, together with vegetables like corn, potatoes, rice and yams. Around 3000 fruits in total can be found in the rainforest.

But it's not just the environment that forests are essential for. It's estimated that 1.6 billion people worldwide depend directly on forests for survival. For example, many traditional tribes heavily depend on forests, for hunting food, providing shelter and even sourcing clothes. In addition, sustainable forest industries employ around 60 million people worldwide.

The pharmaceutical industry also has a lot to thank the forests for. Many modern drugs originate from rainforests, especially cancer fighting medicines. The U.S. National Cancer Institute has identified 3000 plants that are proven to be active against cancer cells. 70 percent of these plants are found in forests. What's more, 25 percent of today's modern cancer fighting drugs, come from ingredients only found in the rainforests.

After learning about the essential role played by the world's forests and tress, it's obvious that investing in timber is not just a financial investment. You are also helping the environment by supporting regulated, sustainable, growth of the earth's forests.

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