Describe how deforestation might contribute to global warming.

Explanation

(i) When trees are cut down and burnt or allowed to rot, their stored carbon is released into the air as carbon dioxide. This adds to the carbon dioxide content of the air. Carbon dioxide is a major green house gas. The increase in concentration of carbon dioxide in the air increases the green house effect and thereby causes global warming. It has been estimated that 25-30% of the green house gases released into the atmosphere each year is because of deforestation.
(ii) Trees act as carbon sink since they utilize carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. When trees are cut down, the the carbon footprint increases. This in turn leads to global warming.