Woodlands spread over 30% of the Earth's property surface, in the past 25 years, shrank by 502,000 square miles (1.3 million square km) - an area bigger than the size of South Africa.
Often deforestation occurs when the forested area is cut and cleared to make way for agriculture or grazing. Just 4 commodities are responsible for tropical deforestation; beef, soy, palm oil, and wood products.

Natural fires in tropical forests tend to be rare and intense. Human lit fires are commonly used to clear land for agricultural use. First, the valuable timber is harvested, then the remaining vegetation is burned to make way for crops like soy or cattle grazing.

WATCH THE LUNGS OF OUR PLANET-THE AMAZON RAIN FOREST, SYSTEMATICALLY PLUNGED TO DESTRUCTION

• The Amazon Rainforest has been described as the "Lungs of our Planet" because it provides the essential environmental world service of continuously recycling carbon dioxide into oxygen. More than 20% of the world oxygen is produced in the Amazon Rain forest.
• More than half of the world's estimated 10 million species of plants, animals and insects live in the tropical rain forests. One-fifth of the world's freshwater is in the Amazon Basin.



• One hectare (2.47 acres) may contain over 750 types of trees and 1500 species of higher plants.
• At least 80% of the developed world's diet originated in the tropical rain forest
• Vincristine, extracted from the rain forest plant, periwinkle, is one of the world's most powerful anticancer drugs. It has dramatically increased the survival rate for acute childhood leukaemia since its discovery.

From <https://rain-tree.com/facts.htm>

IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT

Let's visit one such impact zone, closer to us.

GODS OWN COUNTRY; A GRIM REMINDER OF KERALA'S FIGHT WITH NATURAL DISASTERS

For centuries, Kerala's geography was its USP. It was blessed with moderate climate and scenic locations. The narrow strip of land, 35 to 125 Km wide and 580 km long, is wedged between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. The state had never bothered about global warming-induced climatic changes, but the consecutive floods & landslides in Aug 2018 & 2019 have prompted a rethink.

There is no doubt the best thing we can do to fight climate change is to make our trees/forests standing. Planting trees are one of the simplest and the most sustainable ways to positively influence the environment. We require trees now more than ever. Trees are our lifeline to cleaner air and a healthy environment.

As tree grow, they help stop climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the air, storing carbon in the trees and soil, and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Other benefits include block cold winter winds, attract birds and wildlife, purify our air, prevent soil erosion etc.

Our Eco-warriors decide to start at home, a Plant a Tree campaign to raise the collective cognizance of the community,

TOGETHER LET US ACT
MY TREE MY PLANET

(An exclusive Vikram Sarabhai School Campaign)

Together Let Us Act # for Planet, 'My Tree My Planet' campaign is a growing student-led community action to protect, restore, care of our living environment through active planting and maintenance.

Our objective is to make it simple for the community to comprehend the significance of trees and make it even simpler to get trees in the ground. we are committed to making it easier for people and organizations to offer back to nature, build a healthier atmosphere, ensure biodiversity and help reforestation endeavours around Kochi, India. All by planting trees!

What would happen if we all helped plant trees?

WHAT ARE DOING WE FOR OTHERS AND ENVIRONMENT AROUND US?

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN THE VSS COMMUNITY OF ECO WARRIORS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, BY PLANTING TREES

The student Eco Warrior program is a leadership program inviting students to join My Tree My Planet (MTMP) in action, education and awareness through tree planting field trips in partnership with VSS parent community & local tree ambassadors.

• Engage students in the topic inviting them to share their knowledge on global warming, climate change etc.
• Create thought-provoking videos, puzzles, quotes, posters, ethical challenges, brainstorming spaces, play areas & write-ups on various natural disasters, overtime.
• Help students interpret data to understand patterns on various natural disasters & analyze evidence.
• Present the data to larger communities, build awareness on the adverse impact of global warming, raise consciousness to Plant tree for the planet.

Our intent for VSS student community

For the more inquisitive:

Nat Geo Video on causes & effects of Climate change,

CONCLUSION:

THE OUTLOOK

VSS SHALL INSPIRE NOT JUST OUR PUPIL'S, BUT THE STUDENT COMMUNITY AT LARGE. OUR ECO-WARRIORS PLEDGE TO GROW HALF A MILLION TREES BY 2030.

Vikram Sarabhai School- Kochi, Kerala, is an independent institution that offers Comprehensive & Innovative Educational program integrated with a PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM to instil global attributes and a distinct STEAM syllabus to foster Science & Arts learning.

Speak to us to understand how we facilitate Experiential & Purposeful learning.

Know more About Us: https://www.vsskochi.in

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