What is their role in the global climate and carbon cycle?
They are the generator of much of the world’s climate and they also act as vast, stable carbon pools. So rainforest clearance leads to increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, and climactic conditions are further altered. Evapo-transpiration from the leaves of tropical rainforest plants and trees helps create clouds and thus rainfall which in turn moderate local and global air temperatures and humidity levels. Without the trees, temperatures increase substantially, rainfall declines and, without tree cover, the ground becomes hot and dry. The surrounding areas also become drier, and more vulnerable to fire and destruction. What is the biggest threat to rainforests? Most rainforests have been heavily exploited for more than 100 years but new technologies and peace in some countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo means loggers can get to areas that were inaccessible only a few years ago. Loggers, poor farmers, industrial scale palm oil growers, soya farmers, militias as wel
