Rain forests. (Environmental News).

Rain forests take up only 7 percent of the Earth's land. But 50 percent of all plant and animal species on the planet--from tiny tree frogs to fierce jaguars-- come from these leafy regions. The rich vegetation of the rain forests helps to regulate the health of Earth's atmosphere by absorbing poisonous carbon dioxide. And rain forests provide medicines that have saved lives around the planet.

But rain forests are facing some major human-made trouble. According to a new study, South America's Amazon rain forest is being cut down at the rate of 5 million acres per year. "That's equivalent to seven football fields a minute!" says study leader William Laurance. Farms, pastureland, mines, and highways are taking the forest's place. Some loggers also chop down valuable trees like mahogany to make fancy furniture. Already, 25 percent of this vast rain forest has been slashed.

But there are things that individuals can do to help. Look for products that conserve natural resources such as water and energy, and don't buy trinkets or clothing made from endangered plants and animals. You can also join an organization that helps the environment.

Unless the current trend is reversed, all rain forests could vanish from Earth by 2050. As environmental scientist James Alcock says, "The interdependence of climate and forest means risks to the forests are much closer at hand than what we might expect."

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