Question

Describe the interdependence between forests and human beings

Answer 1

IMPORTANCE OF FOREST FOR HUMANSForest 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 suchas 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 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 tomankind.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.