Where are temperate rainforests?

They are found on the western edge of North and South America, New Zealand, Chile, Norway and Japan. Here, unlike in the tropics, temperatures rise and fall, and rainfall is variable. Trees in these forests can be the tallest and some of the longest living in the world. What is their role in the global climate and carbon cycle? They are the generator of much of the world's climate and they also act as vast, stable carbon pools. So rainforest clearance leads to increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, and climactic conditions are further altered. Evapo-transpiration from the leaves of tropical rainforest plants and trees helps create clouds and thus rainfall which in turn moderate local and global air temperatures and humidity levels. Without the trees, temperatures increase substantially, rainfall declines and, without tree cover, the ground becomes hot and dry. The surrounding areas also become drier, and more vulnerable to fire and destruction. What is the biggest threat to ...  more