Forest area is just one measure of a country’s overall environmental health and sustainability, and other factors such as biodiversity, land use, and climate change also play a significant role. Here are the 5 countries with the maximum forest area:
- Russia (814 million hectares forest area)
- Brazil (497 million hectares forest area)
- Canada (347 million hectares forest area)
- United States (303 million hectares forest area)
- China (208 million hectares forest area)
Other countries having maximum forest area are: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Australia, Indonesia, Peru, India, Colombia, Bolivia, Papua New Guinea, Sweden, Venezuela, Argentina.
The forest area of a country can have significant implications for both the environment and human health. Here are some ways in which forest area influences these aspects:
- Preserving forest areas helps protect biodiversity, ensuring the survival of various species and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
- Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, helping to reduce the concentration of CO2 and combat global warming.
- Trees act as natural filters, removing harmful gases and particulate matter from the air, thereby reducing air pollution and promoting healthier environments for human populations.
- Forests help in maintaining adequate water supply by influencing rainfall patterns, reducing runoff, and preventing soil erosion. Forested areas act as natural water reservoirs and contribute to the replenishment of groundwater sources.
- Forest environments offer stress reduction, improved mood, and increased physical activity opportunities, which can contribute to overall well-being and quality of life.
