Join Us In Saving The Rainforests and the Environment

The rainforests are often described as the lungs of the earth. They work in reverse fashion to the way in which human lungs function. Where humans inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, the rainforests do the opposite. They take in carbon dioxide and through photosynthesis convert it into clean air -- oxygen for us to breathe. Thus, the rainforests are the single greatest source of the air we breathe.

Rainforests are home to millions of different species of life: flowering plants, trees, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and fish. In fact, they are home for more than half of all animal and plant species on earth. Many endangered animals and plants live in the rainforests and are in danger of going extinct due to the destruction and clearing of their delicate living space.  The rainforests cover a large portion of the earth’s surface, thus they serve a very important role in the earth’s ecosystem.

Fossil records show that some of the rainforests have existed for almost 100 million years. Due to their location, the tropical rainforests were spared from the loss of life during the ice ages. This helps explain the millions of living species present in the rainforests.

The tropical rainforests are being destroyed at an alarming rate. According to the Rainforest Action Network, more than an acre and a half is lost every second of every day.  The consequences of the disappearance of the rainforests could be catastrophic to the world’s ecosystem.

The burning of the rainforests is believed to play a significant role in the “greenhouse effect,” which is also known as global warming.  An increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans, as well as the clearing and the burning of these forests, accounts for the release of a significant amount of carbon dioxide into the air -- the same carbon dioxide that these forests so effectively absorb. The Global Warming Potential (GWP) of carbon dioxide is very high due to its long lifetime in the atmosphere. Thus, destruction of the rainforests could contribute to the changes in the world’s weather patterns, which has potentially devastating consequences.

There are various factors that have contributed to the destruction of the rainforests.  Many of these factors have lead to erosion, exploitation of the delicate soil, destruction of the forests and many of its life forces, extinction of many endangered species, pollution of water, air and land, and displacement of the indigenous people of those areas. Many scientists believe that the cure for certain illnesses could be found from the rainforests and therefore support preservation of rainforests and their multitude of life forces.

We at Nature’s Gate also see the importance of saving the rainforests from further destruction and exploitation and are joining forces to help preserve them – and the environment as a whole.

The best way to get involved in the process is to take part in environmental campaigns.  Join organizations that support green causes.  Write your government officials and let them know that saving the earth is important to you.  Encourage your friends to do the same.  Because, the louder the voice and the more voices that are heard, the greater the chance to make a change.  

Implementing environmentally friendly solutions into your own life will also help make a difference.  Recycle, turn off lights when leaving a room, support companies that embrace green principles and stay active and educated.  Simply keeping abreast of issues and informing friends and family can make a significant difference. It may seem like a small drop of water in the ocean, but remember that changes always begin with one. Your decisions matter and will make a difference. Let’s make changes for the better…together.

Suggested sites to visit:

www.greenpeace.org
www.nrdc.org
www.stopglobalwarming.org