List and briefly describe 4 major roles of forests in a sentence
1. Carbon sequestration: Forests play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change by storing carbon in trees and soil.
2. Biodiversity conservation: Forests are home to a vast array of plant and animal species, providing habitat and refuge for diverse ecosystems and helping to protect global biodiversity.
3. Watershed protection: Forests help regulate water flow, filter out pollutants, and maintain the health of watersheds, ensuring a sustainable supply of clean water for human and ecological needs.
4. Economic value: Forests provide a range of goods and services, including timber, non-timber forest products, ecotourism opportunities, and employment in forestry-related industries, contributing to local and national economies.