Hey Lykkers! Did you know that forests cover nearly one-third of the Earth's surface? These vast green spaces aren't just beautiful to look at—they play a huge role in keeping our planet healthy.

Over the past 30 years, we've lost 420 million hectares of land, and the effects of this are becoming more and more noticeable. Forests give us many benefits, and today we're diving into five major reasons why they're crucial for both us and the environment.

Forests Nourish the Land

First up, forests help to nourish the land. They play an essential role in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion. When trees are cut down, the soil becomes loose, and it can wash away with the rain. But with forests, the roots of trees hold the soil in place, making sure it stays intact. Forests are also home to a variety of soil-dwelling microorganisms. These tiny creatures, along with insects, birds, and mammals, work together to enrich and maintain the soil's quality, ensuring healthy ground for agriculture and plant life.

Forests Absorb Carbon Dioxide

Another amazing benefit of forests is their role as carbon sinks. They absorb and store carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, which helps combat climate change. NASA estimates that tropical forests alone absorb 1.4 billion tons of CO2 every year. In fact, studies suggest that forests could capture up to one-third of the atmospheric carbon needed to keep global warming under 2°C by 2030. So, not only do trees look good, but they also keep our planet cooler!

Forests Provide Food for Millions

Around 86 million people rely on forests for their livelihoods. Forests provide more than just wood—they also supply wild food sources like fruits, nuts, meat, plants, mushrooms, and fish. This is especially important in regions where people depend on these wild foods to survive. Not only do forests provide edible plants, but they also offer shelter for animals raised by local forest communities. It's a complete ecosystem that sustains life for millions.

Forests Are Natural Water Providers

Did you know that forests are nature's water treatment plants? They provide clean water for many communities around the world. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), forests offer relatively clean water to indigenous people and large cities alike. About one-third of the world's largest cities, including Bogotá, Jakarta, Karachi, Madrid, Mumbai, and Singapore, get their drinking water either fully or partially from forested areas. So, when we protect forests, we're also safeguarding clean water for billions of people.

Forests Support 80% of Earth's Biodiversity

Lastly, forests are home to about 80% of the world's biodiversity. This includes animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria. In tropical rainforests, where the rainfall is high and temperatures are warm year-round, biodiversity is particularly rich. For example, forests host nearly two-thirds of all plant species, three-quarters of bird species, 80% of amphibians, and 68% of mammals. This biodiversity is essential for maintaining balanced ecosystems and ensuring we have the resources needed for a healthy planet.

Forests and the “Plant One Trillion Trees” Initiative

To further combat climate change, the World Economic Forum has launched a global initiative to protect, restore, and plant one trillion trees. This plan has the potential to help mitigate climate change and curb biodiversity loss. Research has shown that nature-based solutions like forest protection and reforestation can have a significant impact. However, these efforts need to be part of a broader strategy that includes decarbonizing industries and other key actions.

Conclusion: Forests Are More Than Just Trees

So, there you have it, Lykkers! Forests are not just pretty landscapes—they are critical to the survival of our planet. From nourishing the soil to providing food, clean water, and biodiversity, forests give us countless benefits that we sometimes take for granted. As we face climate change and environmental challenges, it's clear that protecting and restoring forests is one of the most important actions we can take to secure a better future for all.

Now it's up to us. What can we do to help protect our forests? Let us know your thoughts! Together, we can make a difference.

Feel free to share your ideas and let's continue this conversation!

Forests

Video: Ecosia