Why does deforestation contribute to climate change?%0D%0A%0D%0A(1 point)%0D%0AResponses%0D%0A%0D%0AChainsaws release gases that heat the atmosphere.%0D%0A%0D%0AChainsaws release gases that heat the atmosphere.%0D%0A%0D%0ACleared land gives off more carbon than forests.%0D%0A%0D%0ACleared land gives off more carbon than forests.%0D%0A%0D%0AWhen trees are cut down, carbon stored in them is released.%0D%0A%0D%0AWhen trees are cut down, carbon stored in them is released.%0D%0A%0D%0AMore timber fuels industry, causing warmer temperatures.
The deforestation contributes to climate change through the following reasons:
1. When trees are cut down, the carbon stored in them is released into the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2). Trees act as carbon sinks, meaning they absorb and store CO2 during photosynthesis. When they are removed, this stored carbon is released, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
2. Cleared land gives off more carbon than forests. Forests not only absorb carbon dioxide but also provide shade, reducing temperatures. When forests are cleared, the exposed land absorbs more solar radiation, leading to higher temperatures and changes in local climate patterns.
3. Deforestation also disrupts the water cycle. Trees regulate the amount of moisture in the atmosphere through evapotranspiration. Without trees, there is less evaporation, which can lead to drier conditions and increased risk of wildfires. The loss of forests can also lead to changes in rainfall patterns, further affecting climate and weather.
4. Deforestation can also contribute indirectly to climate change through the timber industry. Increased demand for timber and logging can lead to unsustainable practices, including clear-cutting and illegal logging, which further exacerbate deforestation. The production and burning of timber as fuel or for industrial processes can release additional greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.