What is global warming?
Global warming is the term used to describe a gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and its oceans, a change that is believed to be permanently changing the Earth’s climate (LiveScience).
How does deforestation lead to global warming?
Deforestation is the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions after fossil fuel burning, causing 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions (World Wildlife Fund). Greenhouse gases bring about the greenhouse effect, where these gases absorbs thermal radiation, and re-radiate it back to the Earth’s surface surface. This leads to an overall increase in the Earth’s temperature (National Geographic).
Trees capture greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, preventing them from accumulating in the atmosphere and warming our planet. When trees are felled, carbon absorption decreases, and the carbon stored in these trees will also be released into the atmosphere. Therefore, when deforestation occurs, there will be less trees regulating the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere leading to a reduced amount of carbon dioxide absorbed into our atmosphere, and more greenhouse gases being released from the forest’s biomass.