Preserving our rainforestsIn Walden, a novel written by Henry David Thoreau, Thoreau states: "I wish our farmers, when they cut down a forest, felt a sense of part of this fear that the old Romans did when they came to clear or leave light on a consecrated grove (lucum conlucare), that is to say they believed that it is sacred to a god" ( Walden House-Warming 13). By comparing forests to a “god,” Thoreau implies that forests are something sacred and spiritual, and that they should not be logged by humans or used irresponsibly. Thoreau would agree that the current problems with the world's rainforests are a cause for concern. The rainforest is one of the oldest living ecosystems on Earth. Tropical forests occupy only 6% of the Earth's surface; However, they are home to more than half of the plant and animal species on the planet (Taylor). They also contain many beneficial natural resources and medicines. However, deforestation continues to pose a problem for native creatures and these resources. About one and a half hectares is lost every second to deforestation; this means that 46 to 58 thousand square miles are destroyed each year (Taylor). At this rate, in less than 40 years, the tropical forest will be non-existent. If no action is taken to reduce these rates of destruction, the world will lose one of its most valuable ecosystems. Thoreau would recognize that the rainforest should be protected in order to preserve: its native creatures, including animals, plants, and humans; its natural medicines; and its useful by-products and natural resources. Individuals can take simple steps to preserve these essential aspects of the rainforest. More than 10 million species of animals, plants and insects live in the rainforest. H...... middle of paper ...... Biological Diversity1. "The Value of Endangered Species: The Importance of Conserving Biological Diversity. University of Florida, December 1990. Web. March 29, 2014. Mowrey, Daniel. “Rainforest Remedies.” Raintree, January 27, 1999. Web, March 30, 2014. Tarbotton, Rebecca. “The Five Best Ways to Protect Rainforests in 2011.” Web, April 2, 2014. “Rainforest Facts,” Raintree, January 1, 1997. Web, March 27, 2014. Walden, Pa. Print. Thutton, Mailto. “Saving the Rainforest.” MT & PK Productions, November 9, 2014. Zimmerman, Barbara. how indigenous tribes protect the Amazon " National Geographic. National Geographic Society, December 22, 2013. Web. April 15. 2014.