Deforestation: Its Devastating Effects on South American Rainforests Es

Introduction Tropical rainforests are the Earth?s oldest, richest, most productive, and most complex living ecosystems. They are located throughout many of the world?s continents including South America, Africa, and Asia and are defined by a few specific factors. Their location must be within the regions of the tropics and they must receive between 4-8 meters of rain per year (compared to about 1-2 meters in the United States). These forests also have no ?seasonality?, which means that they lack a definite dry or cold season of slowed growth. Rainforests are the most valuable environmental entity on this earth as they provide the world with the majority of its species of animals and plants, food resources, and medicines. Because of their extreme importance, rainforests are also being used for economic and social welfare. The rate of habitat destruction has increased to 2.47 acres per second, 214,000 acres each day, and about 78 million acres each year. Rainforests house more than half of the living organisms on Earth, but 50,000 of these species are becoming extinct in these unique regions per year. That translates into 6 species per hour and 137 species each day. These worldwide numerical rates show the urgency that is required to save these precious forests. Information involving the destruction occurring in South America currently and in the past will offer a more intimate view concerning the effects of rainforest deforestation. Characteristics of South American Rainforests Overview South America, with its rich and far reaching tropical forests, is a key example of the harsh realities of tropical rainforest depletion. Countries such as Brazil, Bolivi... ... shelter, materials, oxygen, medicine, and wealth. The economic profit and modernization available from these vast stretches of resource-filled land, entices both companies and consumers to take advantage of the environment. This ignorance and selfishness has led to the nearly complete devastation of these great resource treasures. Without these regions, much of the species on Earth would suffer to the point of extinction. It is obvious that unless consumption is slowed significantly and these areas of diversity are allowed to maintain and regain their dominance over the South American landscape, not much time will pass before their complete disappearance is a reality. With a combined effort from many developed countries around the world and the governments of the native rainforest nations, salvation can be achieved for these priceless South American rainforests.