The Rainforest: Earth's Natural Defense Against CO₂

The Earth’s atmosphere and oceans share a unique symbiotic relationship, where carbon dioxide (CO₂) is absorbed and stored in deep pockets beneath the ocean’s surface. This natural process helps regulate the planet’s climate. However, the Earth can only maintain this balance if it retains the tools necessary to do so—one of the most powerful of these tools is old-growth forests.

Old-growth forests, particularly rainforests, play a critical role in absorbing and storing massive amounts of CO₂. These ancient ecosystems are irreplaceable, acting as the planet’s "lungs" by taking in approximately 2 billion tons of CO₂ per year. Protecting what remains of the world’s rainforests is not just important—it is essential to the planet’s survival.

President Biden’s recent efforts to spotlight the importance of the rainforest underscore the vital role the U.S. can play in global conservation. His actions highlight an opportunity for America to have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the planet.

We must continue this legacy by working alongside other nations to:

Protect Old-Growth Forests: Ensure that remaining rainforests and old-growth forests are safeguarded from logging, deforestation, and exploitation.

Restore Degraded Areas: Invest in reforestation and ecosystem restoration to expand the rainforest’s capacity to absorb CO₂.

Support Indigenous Communities: Partner with indigenous groups who have long been stewards of these lands, providing them with resources to protect and preserve the ecosystems they call home.

With humanity’s help, the Earth’s natural systems can heal the planet. This does not absolve us of responsibility—it gives us a fighting chance. By choosing to work with the planet’s natural defenses, we can mitigate the effects of climate change and make a meaningful difference. The future depends on our willingness to act boldly and in harmony with nature.