How does deforestation affect the carbon cycle?

Deforestation significantly impacts the carbon cycle by contributing to a rise in atmospheric carbon levels. Trees and forests act as essential carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during the process of photosynthesis. When forests are cleared or burned, not only is this vital carbon absorption process halted, but the carbon stored in trees is also released back into the atmosphere. This release occurs through the combustion of wood and the decay of deforested plants and soil.

As a result, deforestation leads to an increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which can contribute to climate change and global warming. This relationship illustrates the crucial role that forests play in maintaining the balance of the carbon cycle; their removal disrupts this balance, leading to higher levels of greenhouse gases, particularly CO2, which exacerbates climate issues.