Rainforest Destruction

How is the rainforest threatened?

A major threat to the rainforest is the logging companies that come in and clear land to harvest big trees. There are only about two upper canopy trees (higher trees) per acre, and cutting down these trees almost destroys the upper canopy which is home to most of the birds in the rainforest. Another threat is farming and cattle ranching. People chop down the trees to clear areas, but the soil is not good, so soon they have to move to another area. Sometimes the forest grows back, but it takes many years. A third reason the forests are destroyed is for gold and silver mining.

Where is it happening?

The worst destruction is in Brazil, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia. There is also widespread destruction in other parts of South America and Mexico.

Why save it?

The rainforest is home to over fifty percent of all plants and animals on earth. It is the earth's living lung--it breathes in carbon dioxide and breathes out oxygen. Some rainforests are an unexplored frontier, with all kinds of new animals and even new tribes of people. The National Wildlife Federation in 1993 listed ten reasons why we should save the rainforests:

1. People have no right to destroy the rainforests for their own purposes.
2. Destroying the forests may change the world's weather patterns.
3. The loss of the forests are causing serious problems such as soil erosion and water pollution.
4. Wood products in which the rest of the world depends may soon become scarce and more expensive.
5. Many migrating birds common in North America depend on the rainforest habitats. The loss of the rainforest may affect these species.
6. Cultures of the forests are losing their native lands. They have a right to live where and how they want.
7. There are many plants that could help scientists develop new crops, medicines, and other products. We don't want to lose our knowledge of the rainforest plants, animals and other information.
8. Rainforests are exotic and unique where strange plants and animals live which inspires many people. We can't lose this inspiration.
9. Thr forests contain more than 50% of all plant and animals species in the world. Destroying the forests will destroy these species forever.
10. So little has been researched in the forests that could provide people with many benefical products, even a possible cure for cancer. We can't destroy what nature has given to us.

What can we do?

We can raise money to buy large quantities of land and declare it off limits for loggers, farmers and ranchers. We can educate people about the value of the rainforest. How about buying an acre of the forest! For $37.50, individuals can purchase protection of an acre of forest land.

Contact:
The Nature Conservancy
1815 N. Lynn Street
Arlington, VA 22209
Or call: (800) 628-6860

Make contact with the people of the rainforest.

The following are pen pal organizations. You will need to include the country or countries of other kids who you're planning letter exchanges with. Also, send a business-sized self addressed, stamped envelope for the organization's return response.

For ages 6 and up:
International Pen Friends
P.O. Box 65
Brooklyn, NY 11229

For ages 10 and up:
Student Letter Exchange
630 Third Ave.
New York, NY 10017

People to People International
501 East Armour Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64109