Preserving the Amazon rainforest in South America, as well as other rainforests worldwide, remains an important global environmental issue, even when the news media turns its attention elsewhere.

Although they cover a relatively small percentage of the planet, rainforests are home to about half of the plant and animal species on Earth. Yet, according to the United Nations, at least 37.5 million acres of rainforests are lost every year. That's an area roughly equal to the state of Georgia. Learn more about the threats to rainforests and the need to preserve them.