Tropical rainforests support the exchange of gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, and oxygen in the atmosphere. The forests are a dynamic part of our hydrologic cycle (rain and water systems), and they even act as a global air conditioner - by storing and absorbing carbon dioxide from the air, storing the carbon, and giving us fresh, clean oxygen. Excess carbon dioxide is the primary factor in global warming, which is heating the planet and threatening our future. Excess carbon is released into the atmosphere with our use of fossil fuels (such as driving cars) and from cutting and burning of wood or vegetation. Uncontrolled logging and burning in tropical forests accounts for one-third of our carbon emissions, making global warming far worse. Responsible forestry helps us to turn down the global thermostat. By stopping the destruction of mature (old-growth) forests, we prevent a huge amount of carbon from being released into the atmosphere; by promoting Earth-friendly planting and management of young forests, we promote the absorption of large amounts of atmospheric carbon.

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