Question: How would deforestation effect the climate

Andrew Lyon answered on 8 Nov 2023:

Deforestation has a really negative effect on the climate. Forests store a lot of carbon because trees absorb carbon dioxide into their structure and microorganisms living in the soil draw as much if not more into the forest floor.

When deforestation occurs – and trees are often burned as part of the process – this carbon is released back into the atmosphere. Because the trees have been removed this also reduces the total amount of carbon that can be absorbed from the atmosphere.

Forests also help create clouds and rain. Removing them can change weather patterns so the land becomes drier and poorer quality, a process called desertification.