World has lost one-third of its forests over 10,000 years. Half of global forest loss occurred between 8,000 BCE and 1900. Deforestation peaked in 1980s, reaching 150 million hectares
Covers 6 million km² of South America, with 390 billion trees in 16,000 species. Contains 30 million people from 350 ethnic groups, 9% indigenous population. Forms over half of Earth's remaining rainforests. Receives approximately 9 feet of rainfall annually
Tropical rainforests occur between 10° north and south of Equator. Characterized by high temperatures exceeding 18°C monthly. Annual rainfall ranges from 1,750 to 3,000 mm
Global warming is a gradual increase in earth's temperature due to greenhouse gases. Human activities like deforestation and vehicle emissions contribute significantly. Industrial development and agriculture release greenhouse gases into atmosphere. CFCs from air conditioners destroy ozone layer, increasing temperature
Javan rhinos remain on Java with 75 individuals, threatened by habitat loss. Amur leopards have 100 wild individuals in Russia and China. Sunda Island tiger population is 600, declining due to human expansion. Mountain gorillas face threats from 500,000 people near their habitat. Tapanuli orangutans are critically endangered with fewer than 800 individuals
Environmentally friendly countries minimize harm to ecosystems and environment. Yale University's Environmental Performance Index ranks 180 countries annually. EPI scores range from 0 (worst) to 100 (best) across 32 environmental indicators