Why Does The Amazon Need Protecting?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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1. are the lungs of the planet. Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and replace it with oxygen. Rainforests like the Amazon act as carbon sinks that offset the carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere.

Why is protecting Amazon important?

Not just for food, water, wood and medicines, but to help stabilise the climate , playing a critical role in global and regional carbon and water cycles. The Amazon is under siege like never before. Deforestation and fire are once again on the increase, and protected areas and indigenous lands face increasing threats.

Why is it important to protect the rainforest?

Rainforests also stabilize climate , house incredible amounts of plants and wildlife, and produce nourishing rainfall all around the planet. ... help stabilize the world's climate; provide a home to many plants and animals; maintain the water cycle.

What will happen if we don't protect the Amazon rainforest?

The air quality will drop and we will start inhaling more CO2 . ... If the Amazon does burn out, it will become a source rather than storage for carbon dioxide. Its potential destruction would mean that the rainforest will stop recycling CO2 into oxygen, and this would impact the air quality of the entire planet.

Who is responsible for protecting the Amazon rainforest?

WWF has been working in the Amazon for 40 years and is at the forefront of efforts to protect the people, forests, and species that call it home.

What are the main arguments to destroy the rainforest?

The demand for minerals and metals such as oil, aluminium, copper, gold and diamonds mean that rainforests are destroyed to access the ground below. Developed nations relentlessly demand minerals and metals such as oil, aluminium, copper, gold and diamonds, which are often found in the ground below rainforests.

How can we protect our rainforests?

  1. Eliminate Deforestation From Your Diet. ...
  2. Buy Responsibly Sourced Products. ...
  3. Choose Products That Give Back. ...
  4. Support Indigenous Communities. ...
  5. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint. ...
  6. Email Your Preferred News Outlet. ...
  7. Share Rainforest News on Social Media. ...
  8. Contact Your Elected Representatives.

How can we protect the Amazon rainforest?

  1. 1) Reduce your paper and wood consumption. ...
  2. 2) Reduce your oil consumption. ...
  3. 3) Reduce your beef consumption. ...
  4. 4) Hold businesses accountable. ...
  5. 5) Invest in rainforest communities. ...
  6. 6) Support the grassroots. ...
  7. 7) Support Rainforest Action Network and Amazon Watch.

Why we should stop deforestation?

Keeping forests intact also helps prevent floods and drought by regulating regional rainfall. And because many indigenous and forest peoples rely on tropical forests for their livelihoods, investments in reducing deforestation provide them with the resources they need for sustainable development without deforestation.

How much of the Amazon is left?

Period Estimated remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon (km 2 ) Percent of 1970 cover remaining 2017 3,315,849 80.9% 2018 3,308,313 80.7% 2019 3,298,551 80.5% 2020 3,290,125 80.3%

What happens if we lose the Amazon?

Burning away the Amazon would condemn millions of living species to extinction and destroy their habitats . ... It is thought that consumption of the whole of the Amazon by fire would change the region from a thick multilayered forest to a savanna composed of scattered trees and tall grasses.

What will happen if we destroy the forest?

Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide. If forests are cleared, or even disturbed, they release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Forest loss and damage is the cause of around 10% of global warming . There's simply no way we can fight the climate crisis if we don't stop deforestation.

Is logging in the Amazon illegal?

Illegal logging in the Amazon

While laws exist which authorize logging in designated areas, illegal logging is widespread in Brazil and several Amazon countries. ... Cutting any commercially valuable tree regardless of which ones are protected by law. Cutting more than authorized quotas. Cutting outside of concession areas.

Which is the largest forest in the world?

The Amazon is the world's largest rainforest. It's home to more than 30 million people and one in ten known species on Earth.

Is the Amazon rainforest protected by law?

in the Brazilian Amazon. In 1965, Brazil created and passed its first Forest Code , a law requiring landowners in the Amazon to maintain 35 to 80 percent of their property under native vegetation. ... In its roots, the Forest Code is a stringent law that should ensure our world's largest rainforest is protected.

What are the three greatest threats to the rainforest?

  • Ranching & Agriculture: Rainforests around the world are continuously cut down to make room for raising crops, particularly soy, and cattle farming. ...
  • Commercial Fishing: ...
  • Bio-Piracy & Smuggling: ...
  • Poaching: ...
  • Damming: ...
  • Logging: ...
  • Mining:
Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.