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Cutting Down the Rain Forest

According to Raintree Nutrition, rain forests once covered 14 percent of the earth's surface, but as of 2010 they cover only 6 percent. Rain forests are cut down due to the industrialization of developing countries in Africa, Asia and South America.

  1. Deforestation

    • Much of the world's rain forests have been cut down since the 1960s due to economic reasons. While logging is the primary cause, agriculture, mining, cattle ranching, oil exploration and the building of dams also play a role in deforestation. These actions destroy indigenous plants and cause the extinction of native wildlife as well.

    Impact

    • Because mature trees in rain forests release stored carbon when they decay, their destruction causes an increase in greenhouse gases emitted. According to the World Wildlife Foundation, deforestation is responsible for 18 percent of current greenhouse gas emissions. These carbon emissions are cited as a cause of global warming.

    Considerations

    • Rain forests are an important part of the earth's ecosystem, containing many medicinal plants, fruits, nuts and oils that, if harvested in a sustainable manner, provide many valuable resources. Taking advantage of the natural resources of the rain forest may provide cures for disease and an economic incentive to reduce deforestation.

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