the atmosphere every year is released from trees being cut and burned. It's clear that protecting the world's forests is an important part of solving the global climate change problem.

Healthy forests are not a luxury; they are vital to the overall health of the planet. In addition to controlling erosion, protecting water supplies, and helping to regulate the global climate, forests are also important reservoirs of biodiversity. Tropical rainforests alone support as many as 30 million different species, including important medicinal plants.

What can be done to protect the world's forests? Many countries are actively trying to protect their remaining forests from loggers, developers, and slash-and-burn farmers. Slowing deforestation and educating communities about sustainable land-use practices is

making a difference in these places, where as little as 2-3% of native forests still remain.