What is the Concept of Deforestation?

hey rebecca,

When trees die and decompose, CO₂ is released. This is part of the normal carbon cycle. When trees are cut down and used for fuel, the CO₂ is also released. The rate at which CO₂ is released as a result of using trees for fuel is increased. However, when trees are used for building construction, furniture, etc, the carbon is not released rapidly into the environment. One would suspect then that harvesting trees for this purpose would result in less CO₂ release into the atmosphere for any given period. That might be correct, except that the tropical forests are being depleted, and with a reduction in vegetation, there is a reduction in photosynthesis. As a result, the carbon cycle is interrupted and the CO₂ is not being converted into sugars and oxygen. CO₂ accumulates.