Saving the Earth's Forests

Authors' Note: Travels with Gannon & Wyatt: Great Bear RainforestFor tens of thousands of years, human beings existed in relative harmony with nature. It is only recently, the past few centuries, that human consumption has had a significant impact on the environment.Each year, according to researchers, approximately 50,000 square miles of forest is lost. We are clear-cutting massive tracks of woodlands to make room for more development. We are consuming forests to produce building materials and consumer goods. Because of the high demand for these things, the earth’s forests are at risk.Forests give us oxygen and regulate the earth’s atmosphere. Forests provide homes to over 70 percent of the world’s animal and plant species. Forests allow for recreation and strengthen our connection with nature. To continue consuming the earth’s forests at this rate would not just be irresponsible, it would put the future of the entire planet at risk.Of course, we cannot expect logging to stop completely. The world’s population continues grow. In the year 1900 there were 1.6 billion people on the planet. Today there are seven billion. Given this reality, we need to be conscious of how we live, what we buy, the things we consume and the impact our habits have on Mother Nature. With this in mind, we must work to reduce and ultimately offset our consumption by replenishing the forests that are so critical to our wellbeing.The first and most important step is awareness. If the world’s young people are aware, they will make the right choices. They will ensure that irreplaceable wilderness areas are properly managed, areas such as British Columbia’s pristine Great Bear Rainforest. By considering the future, the tide will turn, and the health of the planet will be changed for the better.For information on what you can do to help protect the earth's forests, visit the following websites:The Nature ConservancyPacific WildSierra Club