How Quickly Is the Rainforest Disappearing?

Rainforests are dense jungles that cover 6% of the earth's surface. Because of the high amount of rainfall, rainforests are lush and home to about 30 million types of plants and animals.

However due to commercial interests, such as logging, agriculture and mining, a football field-sized section of rainforest is destroyed every second in the world. An American NFL football field is 1.32 acres.

The rapid destruction of this valuable ecosystem puts at risk not only the animals that live in it, but also the numerous foods and medicinal plants that we benefit from. In fact, a quarter of modern medication is made from plants that grow in rainforests. 70% of the plants that can be used in the treatment of cancer are rainforest plants. Tropical rainforests also produce much of the oxygen in the world.

More about rainforests:

• There are two types of rainforests, temperate and tropical.
• Tropical rainforests hold one-fifth of the world's fresh water supply.
• If the rate of rainforest destruction continues, 5-10% of the species that call it home are expected to become extinct each decade.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast are we losing the world's rainforests?

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), we are losing 18.7 million acres of forests annually, equivalent to 27 soccer fields every minute. This alarming rate highlights the urgency for conservation efforts to protect these vital ecosystems and the biodiversity they support.

What are the primary causes of rainforest destruction?

Deforestation in rainforests is primarily driven by agricultural expansion, logging, infrastructure development, and mining. The production of commodities like beef, soy, palm oil, and wood products necessitates large swathes of forest to be cleared, leading to significant habitat loss and carbon emissions.

Which rainforest is disappearing the fastest?

The Amazon rainforest is often cited as experiencing some of the highest rates of deforestation. It's not only the largest tropical rainforest but also one of the most endangered due to agricultural expansion, illegal logging, and other human activities that encroach upon its vast biodiversity.

How does rainforest loss affect global climate change?

Rainforests are crucial carbon sinks, absorbing vast amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere. Their destruction releases this stored carbon, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The loss of rainforests disrupts weather patterns and accelerates global warming, making their preservation essential for climate stability.

What percentage of the world's rainforests remain?

It's estimated that about 80% of the world's original forests have been degraded or destroyed, with only about 2.4 million square miles of primary rainforest remaining. This represents a significant decrease from pre-industrial levels, underscoring the critical need for immediate conservation action.

What can individuals do to help slow down rainforest destruction?

Individuals can contribute to rainforest conservation by making sustainable choices such as reducing meat consumption, choosing products with sustainable palm oil, using FSC-certified wood products, and supporting organizations that work to protect rainforests. Additionally, raising awareness and advocating for policies that protect these ecosystems can have a profound impact.