Rainforest+Conservation+Reference+Draft+1

__Rainforest Conservaton Draft 5 FAI__

1. Basic information – What constitutes tropical rainforests, where they are found, what is their extent (how much of the globe they occupy), what is in them.

Definition - Forests with __certain amount__ of rainfall. Found near the equator (Brazil, Southeast Asia ...) between Tropic of Capricorn and Tropic of Cancer Currently occupies 6% of land area. Originally 14% 50% of of world's biodiversity found inside them

2. Their uses – what part they play in ecology or the environment, what uses they have for Man.

Helps prevent soil erosion Medicines discovered from rainforest plants Tropical medicine men have possible natural cures to diseases (examples) Source of food (Maize, rice, Cocoa, fruits, vanilla, coffee...) Resource (timber, rubber, paper...) Supply of fresh water 40% of oxygen made by rainforests Home to many animals, many undiscovered (cite number)

3. The rate and extent of their destruction

40% of rainforests in SE Asia and Latin America has been lost 1.5 acres (units) lost every second (verify) 30 millions removed every year for just newspapers

4. What would possibly happen if they are gone

Soil erosion - desertification, floods, landslides, infertile land Less oxygen (lungs of the world) - living things needs oxygen - have trouble respiring Carbon dioxide levels increase - global warming - raising sea levels Loss of indigenous tribes - loss of knowledge of forests, culture and tradition Disruption of water cycle, and loss of fresh water Loss of biodiversity Burning of forests lead to haze - breathing difficulties

5. Why we must act now

Extinction of species already occurring Arable land is actually shrinking - food shortage 137 plants/animal/insects lost daily

6. What actions we can take

Plant trees on land already cut down - (Reduce wind erosion, reforestation) Limit amount of beef - a lot of forests cleared to rear cows.
 * To conserve / restore the rainforests (if they can be saved, if not, how we can stop the destruction)
 * What impact that has on our lives, and how we can/must adjust to it
 * How, as a student, we can do our part

Reduce use of rainforest products - use handkerchief instead of tissue Print on both sides of paper, use rough paper Teach others about the environment and how we can save it.