IMPORTANCE OF FORESTS
Forests provide highly valuable ecological and economic services. For example, through photosynthesis, forests remove CO2 from the atmosphere and store it in organic compounds (biomass). By performing this ecological service as a part of the global carbon cycle, forests help to stabilize average atmospheric temperatures and slow projected climate change. Forests also provide us with oxygen, hold soil in place, and aid in aquifer recharge and flood control. Scientists have attempted to estimate the economic value of this and other ecological services provided by the world’s forests and other ecosystems. ECOLOGICAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY FORESTS: Support energy flow and chemical cycling. Reduce soil erosion. Absorb and release water. Purify water and air. Influence local and regional climate. Store atmospheric carbon. Provide numerous wildlife habitats. ECONOMICAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY FORESTS: Fuelwood Lumber Pulp to make paper Mining Livestock grazing Recreation Jobs