How does deforestation contribute to climate change?
Deforestation is the process of clearing or removing trees and vegetation from a forested area. It plays a significant role in climate change for several reasons:
1. Carbon Dioxide Emissions: Trees act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and storing it in their trunks, branches, leaves, and roots. When forests are destroyed, the stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere in the form of CO2, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that deforestation accounts for around 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Reduced Carbon Sequestration: With fewer trees available, there is a decrease in the overall capacity to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. The loss of forests leads to a reduction in the Earth's natural ability to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon.
3. Altered Water Cycles: Trees play a crucial role in regulating the water cycle. They absorb water from the ground and release it into the atmosphere through a process called transpiration. When forests are cleared, this process is disrupted, leading to decreased moisture in the air, changes in rainfall patterns, and increased droughts in deforested regions. These alterations in the water cycle can further amplify climate change effects.
4. Loss of Biodiversity: Deforestation results in the destruction of habitats for countless plant and animal species. The interconnectedness of ecosystems means that the loss of one species can have cascading effects on others. The decline in biodiversity can disrupt ecosystem functioning, making ecosystems more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
To understand the specific contribution of deforestation to climate change, scientists use various methods such as satellite imagery, remote sensing, and ground-based measurements to estimate the amount of carbon dioxide emissions resulting from deforestation in different regions. These data are then integrated into climate models to assess the overall impact on the Earth's climate system.