# Describe how deforestation can contribute to global warming.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) — 4.1 The organism in the environment · Describe · 4 marks

> Large areas of tropical forest are cleared each year to provide land for cattle farming and crop production. Scientists have linked this activity to rising average temperatures across the Earth.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Deforestation reduces the number of trees / plants available for photosynthesis
2. So less carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere
3. Burning / decomposition of felled trees releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
4. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat / raises the Earth's average temperature

## Key terms

- [deforestation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/deforestation)
- [global warming](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/global-warming)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-deforestation-can-contribute-to-b20ae7cd) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.