How Important Are Forests?

Forests play a crucial role in our environment, and thus in our life support systems:

* Species: Forests provide vital habitat. Rainforests alone are home to about half of the 5 to 10 million plant and animal species on the planet. Scientists estimate that there are at least 30,000 as yet undiscovered plants, most of which are rainforest species.

* Air: Forests clean the air we breathe by taking carbon dioxide out of atmospheric circulation. They also provide oxygen, on which humans and other species depend.

* Water: Trees regulate floods and droughts. They also provide shade and nutrients that are critical to many river and stream habitats.

* Soil: Trees greatly benefit the soil. Tree roots prevent soil erosion. In addition, trees fall and (unless claimed for firewood) decompose when they die, adding their nutrients back into the soil.

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