Today let’s celebrate International Day of Forests. At the heart of International Day of Forests it is a “global celebration of forests” it “provides a platform to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests and of trees outside forests” (UN).
Did you know? “Forests cover one third of the Earth’s land mass, performing vital functions around the world” (UN)
If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?
Yes! The falling of trees -deforestation- is making a big sound. Nature is speaking, and we need to listen.
Forests are vital to our environment, they “cover 31% of the land area of our planet” (WWF). Most importantly, they are the beating heart and lungs of our planet, so to speak. Trees produce oxygen, which we need to breathe- to live. In addition, forests provide a home to many wildlife species, many of which are threatened by deforestation- devastating their natural habitat.
Deforestation is jeopardizing our environment. It impacts a wide range of plants and wildlife species. Not to mention mankind. “Forests play a critical role in mitigating climate change because they act as a carbon sink—soaking up carbon dioxide that would otherwise be free in the atmosphere and contribute to ongoing changes in climate patterns. Deforestation undermines this important carbon sink function” (WWF). Thus, there needs to be a global effort to stop deforestation.
Quick Forest Facts:
-It is estimated that 15% of all greenhouse gas emissions are the result of deforestation.
-Some 46-58 thousand square miles of forest are lost each year—equivalent to 36 football fields every minute.
-1.6 billion people rely on benefits forests offer, including food, fresh water, clothing, traditional medicine and shelter.
-In the Amazon around 17% of the forest has been lost in the last 50 years, mostly due to forest conversion for cattle ranching.
Check out this fantastic short film by Conservational International about The Rainforest.
Let’s raise awareness about the importance of our forests.
with love, from one tree hugger to another, xo
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