Tropical forests generate rainfall worth billions, study finds

Tropical forests help to generate vast amounts of rainfall each year, adding weight to arguments for protecting them as water and climate pressures increase, say researchers. A new study led by the University of Leeds has put a monetary value on one of forests' least recognized services as a source of rainfall to surrounding regions, finding that each hectare generates 2.4 million liters of rain each year—enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool.