How does deforestation contribute to
climate change?
Deforestation contributes to climate change in several ways:
1. Decreased carbon storage: Trees and other vegetation act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When trees are cut down and forests are cleared, this stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere, increasing levels of greenhouse gases and contributing to global warming.
2. Reduced carbon sequestration: Deforestation reduces the ability of forests to absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, further exacerbating the build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
3. Altered weather patterns: Deforestation can disrupt local and regional weather patterns, leading to changes in temperature, precipitation, and humidity. These changes can have a cascading effect on global climate systems.
4. Loss of biodiversity: Deforestation results in the destruction of habitats for countless plant and animal species, leading to a loss of biodiversity. This loss can disrupt ecosystems and reduce their resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Overall, deforestation is a significant contributor to climate change and addressing this issue is crucial in efforts to mitigate its impacts.