Deforestation is carried out in many parts of the world. Explain how deforestation can lead to an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

1. Trees and plants absorb CO₂ during photosynthesis, storing carbon in their tissues.
2. When forests are cut down, the number of trees that can take up CO₂ falls, so less CO₂ is removed from the atmosphere.
3. The felled trees are often burned, and the combustion releases the stored carbon back into the air as CO₂.
4. Even if the trees are not burned, the dead wood decomposes; microorganisms break down the material, producing CO₂ as a by‑product.