The Amazon Rainforest
By: Yami Arellano
Location
The Amazon Rainforest covers 9 countries in total. The 3 main countries are Brazil which is 60% covered. Next is Peru with 13% and then Columbia with 10%. Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guinea.
Amazon Rainforest Map:
The Importance
It seems like in today's society it has been a struggle to keep the number of carbon dioxide down. The trees and plants in the Amazon rainforest help reduce CO2 by taking it in through photosynthesis and releasing oxygen which is essential to humans. Without the forests, the effect of greenhouse gases would be greater. This rainforest also sustains communities and the most beautiful species and plants this Earth has.
Vegetation:
A lot of medical finding in modern day have came from rainforest's species plants, and other organisms. A very little percent of plants and other organisms have been researched for medical life-saving abilities. This means there is a lot of untapped potential in the rain forests. Insects, plants, and other organisms also have a productive use for agriculture, clothing, and needless to say, cures for diseases.
Amazon Rainforest Animal:
Harmful Activites
- Deforestation (forests burning)
- Constant development causing loss of forests, oil drilling, and large amounts of soil production
- Trade that requires infrastructure
Deforestation:
Protection Efforts
The WWF is located in 8 of the 9 amazon rainforest locations. It has partnered with other programs all in effort to save the rainforest. There has been long-term studies put in action to reach effective solutions. An example is the setting up of protective areas in Peru. The WWF has expanded to species research, local institutes, environmental education, and much more.
"WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of our planet's natural environment, and build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature."