Tropical Rainforests
Impacts of destruction of rainforests
Impacts that extend far
beyond the tropics
Affect agriculture in
North America, Asia
and Europe
Rainfall patterns affected
E.g. UK and Hawaii could
see an increase in rainfall.
UK Midwest and
Southern France could
see a decrease in rainfall.
Alter moisture and air flow
Rises in temperature
that happen right away
Immediate fluctuations
in rainfall patterns
Destruction of forests starting
to affect regional climates
E.g. Dry season in Thailand
has become drier
E.g. Rainy season in the Amazon
delayed by up to 2 weeks
Affects farmers negatively
Difficult to adapt to increased
floods and parched soil
Roles of rainforests
Absorb carbon dioxide and
renew atmospheric oxygen
Affect the weather in
the rest of the world
Moderators for climate
Arbiters for global water supply
Shelters for various species
Reasons for clearing them
Cattle ranching
Commercial agriculture
