There is a another great article on the BBC website (trust me folks, this news organization gives its due to environmental issues, which is quite refreshing). This article deals with the African rainforests, and it provides a great deal of hope for the planet undergoing massive climatic changes. Studies that have been conducted are beginning to paint a picture that perhaps the African jungles will be able to withstand climate change, at least on some level. Of course, we can't be really sure, because unless we really do something, we are being threatened with really dangerous climate change. However, this is a bright glimmer of hope. Up until now, we didn't know if any rainforests would survive human hands, let alone climate change.
The article notes that evidence points to these jungles already having dealt with climatic changes which have reduced biodiversity, but have left the forests stronger and healthier as a whole. They contrast what they know about the other rainforests of the world, including the Amazon, with what they are finding in Africa. Scientists have come to realize that though the African jungles may have less biodiversity, they have more biomass than the Amazon or other rainforests. The trees are taller and living longer, suggesting a healthy forest.
Rainforests are essential components of our global biosphere. They are aptly named the world's lungs. They are also a treasure trove of life and a key to biology's survival. The more biodiversity that exists, the better chance biological life can continue on this planet when a great challenge to life arises. If it is true that African rainforests are resilient against climate change, then the various African governments, along with the U.N., need to provide even more vigorous protection against human destruction. No more logging permits, no more drilling, no more humans burning it down so they can farm. We are struggling as it is to preserve the world's lungs, and climate change elevates the threat they face. Getting a shred of hope that some of these jungles could survive should empower us with the motivation to defend and protect these vast sources of life and breath. Most of us will never venture into a rainforest, but all humans have a link to the rainforest.
The article notes that evidence points to these jungles already having dealt with climatic changes which have reduced biodiversity, but have left the forests stronger and healthier as a whole. They contrast what they know about the other rainforests of the world, including the Amazon, with what they are finding in Africa. Scientists have come to realize that though the African jungles may have less biodiversity, they have more biomass than the Amazon or other rainforests. The trees are taller and living longer, suggesting a healthy forest.
Rainforests are essential components of our global biosphere. They are aptly named the world's lungs. They are also a treasure trove of life and a key to biology's survival. The more biodiversity that exists, the better chance biological life can continue on this planet when a great challenge to life arises. If it is true that African rainforests are resilient against climate change, then the various African governments, along with the U.N., need to provide even more vigorous protection against human destruction. No more logging permits, no more drilling, no more humans burning it down so they can farm. We are struggling as it is to preserve the world's lungs, and climate change elevates the threat they face. Getting a shred of hope that some of these jungles could survive should empower us with the motivation to defend and protect these vast sources of life and breath. Most of us will never venture into a rainforest, but all humans have a link to the rainforest.
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