Tress for life and fuel

Why do we need to take care of trees?

The world faces two major problems today: how to meet the needs of an increasing population and how to improve the environment. Without a healthy, productive environment, we will not be able to feed the people of the world. Trees can help us to solve these problems.

Today great efforts are being made to raise people's awareness of the importance of trees and forests. All over the world millions of trees are being planted. In the Sudan also we need to make an effort tc save trees and also make maximum use of them.

What do these figures tell us?

The world population is now about 5,000 million. It is expected to rise to 8,500 million by the year 2025. Most of this increase in population will take place in developing countries. In these countries a 60% increase in agricultural production will be needed to make sure there is enough food for everyone. Already about 500 million people suffer from malnutrition and 15 million people die from it every year.

What causes the loss of forests?

If used properly, forest resources can lead to the development of the land and improvements in living standards for the people. Forests supply us with timber for building, firewood, fruit, nuts and gum Arabic. Trees are a source of fodder for cattle and a source of certain substances for medicine. The harvesting and processing of forest products creates employment, brings income and hard currency. This money can be spent to buy more and better food.

Trees can protect the environment by reducing erosion and making the soil rich. The strong roots of the trees and the shelter of the leaves stop the soil from being blown away by the wind.

We must look after our forests and grow trees side by side other crops.

C. Read the text again carefully and answer the questions. 1. What is the expected rise in the world population?

2. Why is such a big population a problem?

3. Agricultural production should be increased by 500 million tonnes. Is this true or false?

4. Make a list of all the good things mentioned in the passage which we get from trees.

5. Try to find words in the passage which are similar in meaning.to the following:

a) very important b) lack of good food c) the gathering of crops d) food for animalse) dollars, sterling, etc.

D. Discuss these questions.

1. Do you think the area where you live has a healthy or a poor environment? Why? Why not?

2. Do you have a forest near your town or village? If so, what is it used for?

3. How could you improve your local environment?

4. Where in your area do you think trees should be planted? Why?

TREES FOR LIFE

Trees for fuel

A. Read this conversation between Mr. Green and his son. What are they talking about?

Son:

Father, you keep saying, 'Plant trees, make the Sudan green.' But do people cut down many trees? Mr. Green: You know, son, firewood is the main source of

energy in developing countries. More than 2,000 million people are dependent on wood and charcoal for cooking and preserving their food. In developing countries, eight times more wood is used for fuel than is used for other purposes.

Son:

Mmm... Do we really need to cook food?

Mr. Green: Oh yes! Human health often depends on cooking food. Some food can be poisonous if not cooked because cooking can destroy germs. People also need firewood for boiling water which is important for the prevention of diseases like diarrhoea and cholera.

Son:

But how can people get enough wood and keep trees at the same time?

Mr. Green: That's a very important question, son. There are many things which can be done. For example, we can use fuel-efficient stoves. These stoves are specially built to prevent the heat escaping and therefore less charcoal is used. Also, trees that are needed for fuel can be planted on unused land such as pathways.

We must make sure we replace the trees we use.