A Vast Green World
The Amazon Rainforest, located in South America, is the largest tropical rainforest on Earth. It covers about 5.5 million square kilometers across nine countries, with most of it in Brazil. Often called the “lungs of the Earth,” the Amazon produces about 20% of the world’s oxygen and plays a key role in balancing the planet’s climate.
The Amazon River, the second-longest river in the world, runs through the heart of the rainforest. It carries more water than any other river, creating a complex system of waterways that support life. During the rainy season, the river floods large areas, turning forests into wetlands and allowing fish and plants to thrive.
The rainforest is home to incredible biodiversity. Scientists estimate that one in ten known species on Earth lives in the Amazon. Jaguars, pink river dolphins, anacondas, sloths, and countless birds and insects can be found there. New species are still being discovered every year. The forest also holds plants with medicinal properties, many of which are used in traditional and modern medicine.
For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples have lived in the Amazon, developing deep knowledge of its plants, animals, and ecosystems. They use the forest for food, medicine, and shelter, and many communities continue to live in harmony with nature. Their traditions, stories, and skills are an essential part of the Amazon’s cultural richness.
However, the Amazon faces serious threats. Deforestation, often caused by logging, farming, and cattle ranching, destroys huge areas of forest each year. Fires, both natural and human-made, add to the damage. When trees are lost, so are animal habitats and important carbon storage, which helps slow climate change. The destruction also affects Indigenous communities who depend on the forest for survival.
Efforts are being made to protect the Amazon. Conservation groups, governments, and Indigenous leaders are working together to create protected areas and promote sustainable development. Eco-tourism also gives people a chance to experience the rainforest while supporting local communities.
The Amazon Rainforest is more than just a forest; it is a vital system that connects us all. It regulates weather, stores carbon, and supports millions of species. Standing in its green canopy, one feels the pulse of life on Earth. Protecting the Amazon is not only about saving trees and animals — it is about safeguarding the future of the entire planet.
Vocabulary List
- biodiversity — The variety of life in a particular area.
- canopy — The upper layer of trees in a forest that forms a roof.
- ecosystem — A community of living things and their environment.
- deforestation — The act of cutting down or clearing forests.
- Indigenous — Native people who are the original inhabitants of a region.
- carbon storage — The ability of forests to absorb and keep carbon dioxide.
- sustainable — Using resources in a way that does not harm the environment.
- ranching — Raising animals, such as cattle, on large farms.
- medicinal — Used to treat illness or improve health.
- eco-tourism — Tourism that focuses on natural areas and supports conservation.
Comprehension Questions
- Why is the Amazon Rainforest called the “lungs of the Earth”?
- What role does the Amazon River play in the rainforest?
- Which animals and plants can be found in the Amazon?
- How have Indigenous peoples traditionally lived in the rainforest?
- What are the main threats to the Amazon, and what efforts are being made to protect it?