Forest has been of great importance to mankind since prehistoric days. 60% of the earth once covered with forest. With the development of civilization, large areas have been cleared to make way for farms, mines, towns and roads. Today about 30% of earth is still forested. The economic value of forests, supply many products like wood from trees as lumber, plywood and fuel wood or charcoal. Timber is used in furniture making, building houses, ships and railway sleepers. Pulp and paper are made from the cellulose of trees. Processed wood products include cellophane, plastics, synthetic fibers like rayon and nylon. Latex from trees such as the rubber tree goes to make tyres, tunes and a wide range of rubber goods. Other uses; fruits, nuts and spices are gathered from the forest. Many medicinal plants such as camphor, cinchona, coca (from which the drug cocaine is extracted) also come from the forests. Cork from the thick bark of the cork oak is stripped for making bottling cork. Forests help to conserve soil by preventing rapid runoff of water after heavy rain and minimizing flooding. Trees take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen into air, which is a great benefit to mankind.
Forests influence local and global climate. The forest is also vital as a watershed. Because of the thick humus layer, loose soil, and soil-retaining powers of the trees' long roots, forests are vitally important for preserving adequate water supplies.
The wild animals and other beings get enough protection from the solar heat, temperature and the leaf cover formed on the earth gives cooling effect to the earth. . Since trees absorb heat, we shouldn't cut them down. Natural wildlife is important because it is part of the natural circle of life. If bears start to die off,{ as it would be too hot without trees/forests} than the trout are going to become overpopulated and other scavengers that rely on bears will begin to starve. Without eagles and other birds of prey, rodents' population will increase which will cause more rodents in the cities and towns.
Forests offer privacy, reduce light reflection, offer a sound barrier and help guide wind direction and speed.
• Forest help in giving the direction of wind and its speed. • Forest helps in keeping environment healthy and beautiful. • Forests also minimize noise pollution.
