Deforestation

DEFORESTATION involves the cutting down of FORESTS and is particularly problematic when done on a large scale, like in tropical areas.

Reasons for deforestation include clearing land for FARMING (cattle and rice fields) to produce more food, and for growing crops for BIOFUELS like ethanol.

Problems from Deforestation

• LESS CARBON DIOXIDE TAKEN IN: Trees absorb carbon dioxide during PHOTOSYNTHESIS. Cutting them down means less CO₂. is removed from the atmosphere.
• MORE CARBON DIOXIDE IN THE ATMOSPHERE: Trees store carbon in their wood for centuries. When trees are burnt, the carbon they stored is released as CO₂. Also, MICROORGANISMS decompose dead wood, releasing CO₂.
• LESS BIODIVERSITY: Forests are home to many species, so deforestation can cause the EXTINCTION of species and REDUCES BIODIVERSITY.