Final answer:
Deforestation increases carbon dioxide levels by releasing stored carbon dioxide from trees, reducing the capacity of forests to absorb carbon dioxide, and disrupting the water cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
Deforestation has led to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere due to the loss of trees, which act as carbon sinks. Trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and store it in their biomass. When forests are cleared, this stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere, contributing to higher levels of carbon dioxide.
In addition, deforestation reduces the overall capacity of the Earth's forests to absorb carbon dioxide. Trees play a crucial role in the carbon cycle by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converting it into oxygen through photosynthesis. By removing trees, there are fewer organisms available to actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Moreover, deforestation indirectly contributes to increased carbon dioxide levels by disrupting the water cycle. Trees play a role in regulating the water cycle by transpiring large amounts of water daily. This transpiration releases water vapor into the atmosphere, which then cools the air. Without trees, there is a decrease in available moisture and less cooling effect, leading to a warmer climate. Elevated temperatures can accelerate the release of carbon dioxide from natural sources, further amplifying its concentration in the atmosphere.
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