In addition, many nations have felt it important to populate their frontiers. Fortunately there is no need to lose more rain forests just because we have more people and need more wood. Tree plantations will further reduce rain forest destruction as the world is beginning to produce the forest products it needs from a few high-yield acres. Therefore, most of our forests can be left untouched. The world has no need to clear more forests for food.
Biotechnology promises to accelerate the momentum in breeding still higher-yielding seeds.
These savannas, covered with brush and grass, have little biodiversity, and now could be far more productive in agriculture than the rain forests that are so rich in species. Unfortunately, depressed economics in some countries have failed to provide enough off-farm jobs. Too many discouraged families have turned, instead, to the harsh life of rain forest subsistence farming. In this case, the problem is not food but a lack of economic growth. Trade Barriers Freer trade in farm products could help protect rain forests.