In 1992, fewer than 200,000 remained. Many plant and animal species are becoming extinct before their existence is recorded. Experts estimate that 20 to 50 percent of rainforest plants have yet to be described. The burning of dense rainforests to clear land for agricultural use releases 1.4 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year. Local airports are sometimes closed because smoke hangs so heavily in the air.
Deforestation causes landslides, rockfalls, and increased earthquake damage.
In Latin America, two-thirds of this damage is permanent.