Why does deforestation contribute to climate change
Deforestation contributes to climate change in several ways:
1. Carbon dioxide release: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and store it as carbon in their leaves, branches, and roots. When trees are cut down or burned, this stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
2. Reduced carbon sequestration: Deforestation reduces the number of trees available to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which means less carbon is being stored and less carbon sequestration is occurring.
3. Loss of biodiversity: Forests are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are dependent on the unique habitats found there. When forests are destroyed, these species lose their homes and are often unable to survive in the changed environment. This loss of biodiversity can disrupt ecosystems and lead to further climate change impacts.
4. Changes in land use: Deforestation often leads to changes in land use, such as the conversion of forests to agriculture or urban development. These changes can have additional impacts on the climate, such as changes in albedo (the amount of sunlight reflected by the Earth's surface) and changes in the water cycle.
Overall, deforestation contributes to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, reducing the Earth's ability to sequester carbon, disrupting ecosystems, and changing land use patterns.