| Deforestation leads to the increase of carbon dioxide in the air because living trees store CO2* in their fibers, but when they are cut down, the carbon is released back into the atmosphere. CO2 is a major greenhouse gas, so cutting down trees contributes to the danger of climate change. |
|
Riparian zones*
are especially sensitive to the effects of deforestation. Roads and cut areas intercept or divert the natural flow of water, and can cause
flooding, mudslides and siltation. This can lead to a loss of water quality and a loss of fish habitat and spawning areas.
Many cities have been built around rivers, destroying the forest cover around these water sources. Photo by Maya Walters. |
deforestation -- page 4 of 5
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sub-topic
[overcutting]
related topics
[climate change] [riparian zones]
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