Tropical Forests

Tropical forests are the Earth’s most diverse and dynamic land ecosystems. They cover around 6% of Earth’s land surface and support a vast array of plant and animal species and provide vital ecosystem services. They are an essential resource for many of the world’s poorest people and are a major source of food, medicine, timber, and energy for millions. Tropical forests are also important for climate regulation and the global carbon cycle, as they store and sequester large amounts of carbon dioxide, a major contributor to climate change. They also protect watersheds, regulate regional and global weather, and provide habitat and breeding grounds for ocean life. Tropical forests are rapidly disappearing due to deforestation, which is one of the largest sources of carbon emissions and biodiversity loss. Conservation efforts must be taken to protect these vital ecosystems and their many benefits.