It's a way to judge progress as well as the growing threats to the global environment. The purpose of this assignment is to raise awareness of environmental destruction by looking at the numbers. Background information Tropical rain forests are by far the richest habitat on Earth. At least two thirds of the world's plant species, including many exotic and beautiful flowers, as well as plants with medicinal value, occur in the tropics and subtropics.
Rain forests are part of the global weather system.
Destroying them alters the hydrological cycle - causing drought, flooding, and soil erosion in areas where such events were previously rare. The cutting of forests also changes the albedo or reflectivity of the earth's surface, which in turn alters wind and ocean current patterns, and changes rainfall distribution. Rain forest provide us with oxygen, help maintain our climate and give us essential foods and medicines. Dozens of animal species a day become extinct. In addition, these forests are home to indigenous peoples who have lived there for thousands of years.