Deforestation is the second leading cause of global warming (climate change) worldwide, and it produces about 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Deforestation in the tropical rainforests contributes more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere than the sum of all cars and trucks that drive on the world’s roads.

Question

Deforestation is the second leading cause of global warming (climate change) worldwide, and it produces about 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Deforestation in the tropical rainforests contributes more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere than the sum of all cars and trucks that drive on the world’s roads.

Why would deforestation this lead to more carbon dioxide?
The increased amount of timber harvested produces oxygen gas, which encourages the wildlife to generate carbon dioxide.
Loss of trees leads to a decrease of the ability of forests to act as carbon sinks to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Equipment used for clear-cutting produce metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is released into the atmosphere during the process of deforestation.
The changed habitats support more animals, like native birds and mammals, that produce more carbon dioxide.

Answer 1

The loss of trees due to deforestation leads to a decrease in the ability of forests to act as carbon sinks. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis and store it in their biomass. When trees are cut down or burned, the carbon stored in their biomass is released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Additionally, the decomposition of dead vegetation and soil carbon also releases carbon dioxide. Therefore, deforestation contributes to an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change.