A large area filled with many trees is called a forest. Forests grow in almost every part of the world. The only places where there are no forests are deserts and the North and South . Many important natural resources come from the world’s forests. Forests provide food, wood, , and other materials. These resources may be made into furniture, paper, clothing, medicines, and many other products. Forests are known as the of the planet. This is because they supply a huge amount of Earth’s oxygen, which animals need to breathe. The trees of a forest give off oxygen as part of a process called . Forest trees also help to protect soil from . They block the forces of wind and water that wear away the land. In addition, forests offer a peaceful place for hiking, camping, bird-watching, and exploring nature. For thousands of years people have cut down forests for wood and to make room for farms and cities. Now many of the world’s forests are in of disappearing. Many people work to protect forests. For instance, the Chipko in India was started to protest the destruction of forests. People, mostly women from small villages, would form circles around the trees to prevent them from being cut down. To save forests many governments also create national forests and state parks. In these places, forests are left in their natural state for people to enjoy.
