the facts
Q: Why are the rain forests of the Amazon, the Congo basin and Indonesia so important?
A: The accelerating destruction of the rainforests that form a precious cooling band around the Earth's equator is now being recognized as one of the main causes of climate change. Carbon emissions from deforestation far outstrip damage caused by planes and automobiles and factories. Scientists say one days' deforestation is equivalent to the carbon footprint of eight million people flying to New York. The rain forests of the Amazon, the Congo basin and Indonesia are thought of as the lungs of the planet.
(Source: Centre for Environmental Living and Training)
Q: Which country is the world’s largest consumer of paper?
A: A 2005 report concludes that primary forest area (as opposed to plantations) was reduced globally by 60,000 square kilometers per year (about the size of Ireland). Note that this data is incomplete due to a lack of available data from many countries that do not monitor such change.
As to the “number of trees” this represents, it’s impossible to get an accurate count. Tree density in primary forests varies from 50,000-100,000 trees per square km, so the math would put this number at 3 billion to 6 billion trees per year. The US is by far the world's largest consumer of paper products.
(Source: Understory)
Q: How many molecules of ozone are there for every 10 million air molecules?
A: Ozone is very rare in our atmosphere, averaging about three molecules of ozone for every 10 million air molecules. In spite of this small amount, ozone plays a vital role in the atmosphere. Ozone is mainly found in two regions of the Earth's atmosphere. Most ozone (about 90%) resides in a layer that begins between 6 and 10 miles (10 and 17 kilometers) above the Earth's surface and extends up to about 30 miles (50 kilometers). This region of the atmosphere is called the stratosphere. The ozone in this region is commonly known as the ozone layer.
(Source: NOAA in Action)
Q: What are the risks related to Benzene exposure?
A: Benzene is a known carcinogen in humans and can cause benzene related cancer. Contact happens through exposure to a multitude of chemicals, most notably floor finish (wax) cleaning
chemicals, some household products and detergents, just to name a few! Unfortunately, many companies consider the addition of Benzene to their products as a "trade secret" and therefore do not have to reveal its presence on their product’s labeling. This corporate strategy poses a serious
risk to those of us who unknowingly become victims to benzene exposure.
(Source: Unknown)
