In relation to England, what is the size of the Amazon rainforest?

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By Erica Silverstein

England vs Amazon Rainforest

England and the Amazon Rainforest are two vastly different regions in terms of geography, climate, and ecology. England is a small country located in Western Europe, while the Amazon Rainforest is a vast tropical rainforest located in South America. Despite their differences, both regions are important for their respective ecosystems and for the global environment.

Size of the Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest in the world, covering an area of approximately 5.5 million square kilometers. This vast rainforest is spread across nine countries: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. The Amazon rainforest is home to millions of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Comparing Land Area: England vs Amazon

To put the size of the Amazon Rainforest in perspective, it is helpful to compare its land area with that of England. England has a land area of about 130,000 square kilometers, which is just over 2% of the size of the Amazon Rainforest. This comparison highlights the enormity of the Amazon Rainforest and the importance of protecting it from deforestation and other forms of degradation.

Rainforest Size in Comparison to UK Cities

Another way to visualize the size of the Amazon Rainforest is to compare it with UK cities. For example, the city of London covers an area of approximately 1,570 square kilometers, which is only about 0.03% of the size of the Amazon Rainforest. This comparison highlights the fact that the Amazon Rainforest is a vast and complex ecosystem and that its conservation requires global cooperation and action.

Importance of the Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest is of immense ecological importance, serving as a key regulator of the global climate and playing a critical role in the carbon cycle. The rainforest also supports millions of people who live in the region, providing them with food, shelter, and medicine. In addition, the Amazon Rainforest is home to a tremendous amount of biodiversity, including thousands of plant and animal species that are found nowhere else in the world.

Deforestation in the Amazon

Despite the importance of the Amazon Rainforest, it is facing a range of threats, including deforestation, climate change, and illegal wildlife trafficking. Deforestation, in particular, is a major challenge, with large areas of the rainforest being cleared for agriculture, mining, and other economic activities. This has led to the loss of habitat for many species, increased carbon emissions, and a range of other ecological and social impacts.

Comparison of Deforestation in England and Amazon

While deforestation is a serious issue in the Amazon Rainforest, it is also a problem in England. According to some reports, England has lost more than 90% of its ancient woodland since the 1950s, primarily due to agriculture and urbanization. While the scale of deforestation is much smaller in England than in the Amazon Rainforest, both regions are facing similar challenges in terms of balancing economic development with environmental protection.

Ecological Effects of Deforestation

Deforestation has a range of ecological effects, including the loss of habitat for many wildlife species, increased carbon emissions, and changes in the local climate. In the Amazon Rainforest, deforestation also threatens the health of the Amazon River, which is a critical source of freshwater and a key driver of global ocean currents. Deforestation can also lead to soil erosion, increased flooding, and other forms of environmental degradation.

Efforts to Protect the Amazon Rainforest

There are a range of efforts underway to protect the Amazon Rainforest, including international agreements, conservation programs, and community-led initiatives. These efforts aim to reduce deforestation, promote sustainable land use practices, and support local communities who depend on the rainforest for their livelihoods. While progress has been made, much more needs to be done to ensure the long-term survival of this important ecosystem.

Economic Benefits of the Amazon Rainforest

In addition to its ecological importance, the Amazon Rainforest also provides a range of economic benefits, including timber, non-timber forest products, and ecotourism. However, these benefits need to be balanced against the costs of deforestation, including the loss of ecosystem services, impacts on local communities, and global climate change. Finding ways to sustainably manage the Amazon Rainforest is a key challenge for policymakers, conservationists, and local communities.

Conclusion: Why Size Matters for the Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest is a vast and complex ecosystem that plays a critical role in the global environment. Its size and complexity make it a unique and challenging ecosystem to protect, but also a vital one. By understanding the importance of the Amazon Rainforest and taking action to protect it, we can ensure that this incredible ecosystem continues to thrive for generations to come.

References and Further Readings

  • WWF. (n.d.). Amazon. Retrieved from
  • BBC News. (2019, December 4). England’s ancient woodlands ‘face irreversible loss’. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-50690995
  • United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 agenda for sustainable development. https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/post2015/transformingourworld/publication
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Erica Silverstein

Erica, a seasoned travel writer with 20+ years of experience, started her career as a Let's Go guidebook editor in college. As the head of Cruise Critic's features team for a decade, she gained extensive knowledge. Her adventurous nature has taken her to Edinburgh, Australia, the Serengeti, and on luxury cruises in Europe and the Caribbean. During her journeys, she enjoys savoring local chocolates and conquering various summits.

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