Deforestation occurs when forests are cleared on a large scale. It is one of the major environmental issues impacting climate. Forests maintain the world’s ecosystem in equilibrium by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂), regulating temperatures, and ensuring biodiversity. When vast portions of forests are felled, natural processes are disrupted, accelerating climate change.

Increase in Greenhouse Gases

Deforestation results in an increase in greenhouse gases that influence climate. Trees remove CO₂ by photosynthesis and lower the concentration of the gas in the atmosphere. When forests are cut down, the carbon that has been accumulated in the trees is emitted. This leads to the greenhouse effect, which results in global warming. According to the World Resources Institute, deforestation is responsible for 10% of carbon emissions.

Disruption of the Water Cycle

Tree cutting impacts the water cycle of the region significantly. Trees absorb water from the ground and give it back to the atmosphere in the form of transpiration. The forests are being cut, so there is less water in the air, resulting in more frequent dry climates and droughts in regions. This can impact agriculture, water, and local communities.

Increase in Temperature Extremes

When an area is without forest cover/forests, the uncovered spaces receive more heat from the sun. This would cause more heating of the surfaces. Forests cool the air by blocking sunlight. If a forest is cleared, the region will get hotter more frequently. Having no trees in an area tends to make that area hotter.

Loss of Climate Resilience

Forests avoid floods and storms from destroying things. Their loss increases the risk of the loss of soil, desertification, and habitat destruction. It makes the planet less capable of coping with climate change and worsens it.

Conclusion

To reduce the impact of deforestation, sustainable land use must be encouraged, forest preservation policies implemented, and investments made in reforestation made. Forests must be preserved to maintain the earth’s climate and provide future generations with a sustainable future.