*Over the years, a series of 'little green lies' has been insidiously applied to tropical rain forests with the aim of persuading Governments, and all of us, that we do not simply 'like' or 'want' to keep these forests, but that we 'need' them scientifically for sound ecology and for the very survival of the whole planet. It is the purpose of this Web Page to debunk some of the commonest of these 'myths'. Professor Stott believes that it is important to challenge such scientific 'lies' because a wrong emphasis on the problems of 'deforestation' often leads to totally false agendas in development programmes and detracts from more important aspects of tropical ecology. These 'little green lies' also constitute a good example of modern colonialism by ideas and 'science'.
SHORT SEMINAR
M1: Rain forests are the most important ecosystem in the tropics!
NO! Both ecologically and economically, this is the savannas, which occupy over one-fifth of the land surface of the Earth, including 45% of South America, 65% of Africa, and 60% of Australia.
*Did you know that in Southern Africa there is less than 1% natural forest, found only in little pockets on the coast?
M2: But surely rain forests are the oldest undisturbed ecosystem?
NO! Because the tropics were both cooler and drier at the end of the Last Ice Age, most tropical rain forests are less than 18,000 years old. The 'core' savannas (e.g. in Southern Africa) are much, much older.
*Did you know that, only 18,000 years ago, at the end of the Last Ice Age, the Malay Peninsula was dominated by savanna grasslands, not forest?
M3: But they are vital for climate; they are the 'lungs of the world'!
NO! Most tropical forests use up more oxygen than they give out because of the strong decomposition systems in the heat and humidity. And for carbon storage, you need young, vigorously growing forest! Moreover, the 'lungs metaphor' makes no scientific sense at all: it is used as an image of taking in carbon dioxide and giving out oxygen, whereas, of course...! Take a deep breath, folks!
M4: But they are at least the most biodiverse ecosystem on Earth!
NO! Diversity is difficult to define and varies by location, organism, and unit area. Underneath the canopy, rain forests are relatively poor. And what about the fynbos in South Africa, savannas, coral reefs, and the deep oceans? The overemphasis on tropical rain forests has often detracted from the importance of other ecosystems.