forest

Forests provide a diversity of ecosystem services including:

• Converting carbon dioxide into oxygen and biomass. A full-grown tree produces about 100 kilograms (220 lb) of net oxygen per year.^[43]
• Acting as a carbon sink. Therefore, they are necessary to mitigate climate change.^[44]
• Aiding in regulating climate. For example, research from 2017 shows that forests induce rainfall. If the forest is cut, it can lead to drought,^[45] and in the tropics to occupational heat stress of outdoor workers.^[46]
• Purifying water.
• Mitigating natural hazards such as floods.
• Serving as a genetic reserve.
• Serving as a source of lumber and as recreational areas.
• Serving as a source of woodlands and trees for millions of people dependent almost entirely on forests for subsistence for their essential fuelwood, food, and fodder needs.^[47]