WHEREAS, Tropical rainforests replenish 20% of the oxygen in
the atmosphere through photosynthesis; and
WHEREAS, Tropical rainforests store vast amounts of carbon in
their biomass which is, in large part, the carbon released by
the burning of fossil fuels for cars, electricity and industry;
and
WHEREAS, When forests are destroyed, often by burning, huge
amounts of carbon dioxide are released, exacerbating the
greenhouse effect and global warming; and
WHEREAS, Rainforests play a key role in controlling flooding,
erosion and siltation in many parts of the world, as they absorb
huge amounts of rainfall and then slowly release it as a
constant supply of clean water; and
WHEREAS, Global weather patterns are impacted by the dark,
warm and humid rainforests due to the slowly released water
vapor that rises to the atmosphere and forms clouds, which
travel great distances and deliver essential rain; and
WHEREAS, Rainforests are also responsible for maintaining the
hydrological cycle and rainfall patterns; and
WHEREAS, One tree can release as much as 75 gallons of water
per day; and
WHEREAS, According to the Rainforest Foundation US,
rainforest acreage equal to the size of a football field is
destroyed every second; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 32 million acres of rainforest are
lost each year around the globe; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognize the month of May 2018 as
"Rainforest Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania, and urge all
Commonwealth residents to make small, everyday choices which can
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