The rain forests are responsible for up to 30% of the oxygen we breath with the remaining coming from the oceans which are also undergoing tremendous stress. Over half the rainfall in the world occurs in rain forests whose dynamics actually intensify the water cycle. Rain forests are also incredibly efficient in recycling itself as evidenced in Amazonia where the land itself is so poor that a slash-burn area cannot sustain even grasses two or three years later; once destroyed, the rain forest cannot re-establish itself. The list of products and foods we get from rain forests is already long; we still do not yet know what else the rain forest has that can benefit us – and will never know if we destroy it. When handled correctly by the local people, the rain forest is far, far more valuable economically than if it is cut down and replaced by monoculture along with all associated risks – i.e. the potato blight and resulting famine in Ireland. And on and on it goes.

At least Sean Connery claimed the rainforest would yield a cure for cancer. Without citing another website can anyone provide any rationale for saving the rainforests without mentioning Gaia?

Does it matter that the Earth isn’t an organism?

I agree about peanut oil, but someone buys the palm oil so they must prefer it for some other reason. Price or whatever.

My point is that the rainforest provides livelihood to the people that live there. If they choose to cut the trees down, that’s their business.

We humans are but walking sacs of water supported by a calcium-based frame. We owe our continued existence to that incredibly thin film of biodiversity surrounding our hot, damp rock no more no less.

BTW, palm oil still can’t beat peanut oil that we can grow and make here for that delicious popcorn. I use a certain brand known for the biggest, fluffiest kernels splashed with honest-to-goodness butter, sprinkled with salt and just a tiny dash of chili powder. Heaven!

Jimmy, Rudy and Raymond

enjoy your popcorn