rainforests

Rainforests are amongst the major casualties  of climate change. They are nature's gifts to mankind offering numerous natural resources such as medicinal plants and herbs. They are also serve as a habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The most colorful plant and animal species are found here. To a great extent these forests sustain themselves by generating about 50% of the rainfall in the area through evaporation and condensation through the trees. In addition to sustaining themselves they also support the microclimate of the surrounding area and play a important role in replenishing waterbodies, preventing soil erosion ,  facilitating agriculture and acting as a carbon sink . They support a huge human population directly or indirectly.

                                      This beautiful ecosystem is now at risk due to lack of regard for this precious asset. Excessive logging and clearing to make way for forests and farms is destroying the se rainforest and the species they nurture. The effects have been terrible. In 2004-05 brazil cleared 18,00 square kilometers of rainforest and faced a severe drought in 2005. In addition to such disasters we are helping to accelerate the pace of climate change by destroying the rainforest.

                                       There are various efforts by individuals and organizations to stop this destruction. One such effort is being promoted through a website called www.rainforest concern.org. The website has been beautifully designed with earthy colors and breathtaking images of the rainforest. There is a slideshow of rainforest images on the opening page of the site which reveals the beauty of the forest. The site also has a massage for its visitors in the form of a e- leaflet which is a visual treat. The site is very informative with various sections on rainforest facts, climate and carbon, education and  resources, how individuals can help, rainforest visit etc. It sis best to visit the site and make your own discovery. I am sure it will be a pleasing experience and one may end up doing something important for mankind by participating in one of their programs.