How does deforestation contribute to climate change?

Deforestation significantly contributes to climate change primarily by increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Trees play a crucial role in the carbon cycle; they absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and store it in their biomass. When forests are cut down or burned, not only is this stored carbon released back into the atmosphere, but the capacity to absorb CO2 is also reduced, exacerbating greenhouse gas concentrations.

This increase in atmospheric CO2 intensifies the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and shifts in climate patterns. Consequently, deforestation can result in further environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and alterations in local and global weather systems. Understanding this dynamic is essential for addressing the challenge of climate change, as it emphasizes the importance of forest conservation and sustainable land management practices.