Home to thousands of species, the future of forests is more threatened than ever by human action
Forests are vital ecosystems for the health of the planet and the survival of many plant and animal species. They also play a fundamental role in regulating climate and air quality. In this article, we will explore the importance of forests and the threats they face.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), forests cover approximately 31% of the planet's land surface. These ecosystems are home to about 80% of terrestrial biodiversity and are home to millions of plant and animal species. In
addition, forests are important sources of resources for humanity, providing timber, food, medicines and other essential products.
One of the main benefits of forests is their role in climate regulation. Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and convert it into oxygen. This helps reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, which in turn helps
combat climate change. In addition, forests also have a regulating effect on the local climate by preventing soil erosion, reducing temperature and regulating the water cycle.
However, forests face increasing threats. Deforestation, illegal logging, mining and agricultural expansion are some of the main causes of forest loss worldwide. According to FAO, about 10 million hectares of forest are lost every year, which is equivalent to the area of a country like Iceland. Amazing, right?
Forest loss has serious consequences for biodiversity and the global climate. Deforestation and illegal logging release large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change. In addition, forest loss reduces the capacity of ecosystems to absorb CO2 and other greenhouse gasses, further exacerbating the problem.
To protect forests and the biodiversity they harbor, concrete action is needed. This includes the implementation of conservation and sustainable forest management policies, as well as the promotion of economic alternatives for the communities that depend on them for their livelihoods. It is also important to take measures to reduce the demand for products derived from illegal logging, such as timber and beef.
In short, forests are vital ecosystems for the well-being of humanity and the planet as a whole. The loss of forests represents a threat to biodiversity, climate and the quality of life of the communities that depend on them. It is everyone's responsibility to protect and conserve these ecosystems for present and future generations.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), forests cover approximately 31% of the planet's land surface. These ecosystems are home to about 80% of terrestrial biodiversity and are home to millions of plant and animal species. In
addition, forests are important sources of resources for humanity, providing timber, food, medicines and other essential products.
One of the main benefits of forests is their role in climate regulation. Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and convert it into oxygen. This helps reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, which in turn helps
combat climate change. In addition, forests also have a regulating effect on the local climate by preventing soil erosion, reducing temperature and regulating the water cycle.
However, forests face increasing threats. Deforestation, illegal logging, mining and agricultural expansion are some of the main causes of forest loss worldwide. According to FAO, about 10 million hectares of forest are lost every year, which is equivalent to the area of a country like Iceland. Amazing, right?
Forest loss has serious consequences for biodiversity and the global climate. Deforestation and illegal logging release large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change. In addition, forest loss reduces the capacity of ecosystems to absorb CO2 and other greenhouse gasses, further exacerbating the problem.
To protect forests and the biodiversity they harbor, concrete action is needed. This includes the implementation of conservation and sustainable forest management policies, as well as the promotion of economic alternatives for the communities that depend on them for their livelihoods. It is also important to take measures to reduce the demand for products derived from illegal logging, such as timber and beef.
In short, forests are vital ecosystems for the well-being of humanity and the planet as a whole. The loss of forests represents a threat to biodiversity, climate and the quality of life of the communities that depend on them. It is everyone's responsibility to protect and conserve these ecosystems for present and future generations.
Vicente López González
Vicente is a Spanish volunteer involved in the International Forest Day
