E21: Listen to the audio and decide if the following statements are true (T) or false (F).

Transcript:

Hello everyone! Today, I want to talk about forests and why they are so important for our planet. Forests cover about 30% of the Earth's land, and they are home to millions of plants and animals. But forests are not just important for wildlife; they are also essential for humans.

First, forests help clean the air we breathe. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, which is vital for all living things. Without forests, the air would be much more polluted. Second, forests play a key role in fighting climate change. They store large amounts of carbon, which helps reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Third, forests are important for water cycles. They help regulate rainfall and prevent soil erosion. Without forests, many areas could become deserts. Finally, forests provide resources like wood, medicine, and food for people around the world.

However, forests are in danger. Every year, millions of trees are cut down for agriculture, logging, and urban development. This deforestation has serious consequences for the environment. It leads to habitat loss for animals, increases carbon emissions, and disrupts weather patterns.

But there is hope. We can protect forests by supporting sustainable practices, such as planting new trees, using recycled paper, and buying products made from responsibly sourced materials. If we all work together, we can save our forests and protect the planet for future generations. Thank you for listening!

Answer Key:

1. False (F) - Forests cover about 30% of the Earth's land, not 50%.

2. True (T) - Trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.

3. False (F) - Forests play a key role in fighting climate change.

4. True (T) - Deforestation leads to habitat loss for animals.

5. True (T)- The speaker suggests using recycled paper to protect forests.