When we seek solutions, I ask that we absolutely maximize the recovery of what remains, thorugh lowest impacts possible and leave as much of the wild that remains, without our humble, though inept, inputs for as long as possible. True intelligence will evolve on this planet if we keep the genetic library intact and functioning and if we try to make humility real in the face of what we do not yet know. The Amazon rain forest is a good example of mineral availability. But, once again, it's a question of doing it right. It isn't just a choice between raping it or protecting all of it.
Trees do attract or cause rainfall to occur.