2+Forest+Forever

= Forest Forever =

1. What is Deforestation

2. Disappearing Forests

3. Habitat Destruction

4. What is the Solution?

= What is Deforestation? =

Deforestation is the permanent destruction of forests and woodlands.

What are the causes of deforestation?

1. Logging- the chopping down of trees

2. Mining- digging up the ground for iron and gold.

3.Oil and gas- digging up the ground to collect natural gas and oil

4. Farming

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= Disappearing Forests =



Forests cover almost a third of world's land surface.

Forests are not only sources of wood and fuel, but they are also home to many types of plants and animals.

Trees also stop wind and rain removing soil, they change local weather and slow down climate change.

Unfortunately, the forests are rapidly shrinking. Every year, huge areas are being destroyed by human activity.

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= Habitat Destruction =

Mountain gorillas are close human relatives. However, hunting and the destruction of forests are threatening them with extinction.



Today only a few hundred of these magnificent animals still survive in Central Africa. Even though the forests where they live are now meant to be protected, the gorillas remain under threat.

Many animals use the forests for more than a place to live. They provide everything that different plants and animals need to survive like food, water and protection.



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= What is the Solution? How can we help? =

What can we do to STOP or at least lessen the amount of deforestation?
 * 1) Recycle paper, cans, glass, and plastic.
 * 2) Read the newspaper on-line.
 * 3) Buy paper products made from recycled paper: notebook paper, paper towels, toilet paper, books, etc.
 * 4) Use pencils until they are stubs! Think of pencils as gold (you'll never lose them if you do).
 * 5) Encourage your parents, relatives, and friends to buy furniture and wood that is Certified. That means the wood was legally cut-down.
 * 6) Buy organic fruits and vegetables. That means there are no insecticides or pesticides (poisonous chemicals) sprayed on the food. If these chemicals kill insects and pests that try and eat the vegetables, think about how harmful they can be to you and the environment.
 * 7) Instead of buying gold or diamonds, which are mined and cause environmental damage, consider jewellery that is made from materials that are not mined... such as glass.
 * 8) Encourage your parents, relatives, and friends to drive fuel efficient cars that get good petrol mileage.
 * 9) Even better, whenever possible, walk, bike, carpool or use mass transit (bus or train).
 * 10) Save electricity by turning off lights, TV., radio, computer, etc when you are not using them.
 * 11) Save water by NOT taking baths; instead take quick showers (turning off the water while you soap up) and then turning it back on to rinse quickly.
 * 12) While washing your hands and brushing your teeth, turn off the water. You'll save litres if you do.
 * 13) Always use both sides of paper when writing, drawing, photo-copying, faxing, etc.

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