Identify the effects of deforestation on global warming.

Deforestation plays a significant role in global warming primarily by increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere. Trees and forests act as carbon sinks, meaning they absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and store it as carbon in their biomass. When trees are cut down or burned, the stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere, leading to higher concentrations of CO2. This increase in CO2, a greenhouse gas, contributes to the greenhouse effect, which traps heat in the atmosphere and raises global temperatures.

Moreover, without trees to absorb CO2, the rate of atmospheric CO2 increases, which directly influences climate change and global warming. Therefore, the connection between deforestation and increased CO2 levels is a significant factor in understanding the broader implications of human activities on climate.