Key Idea Forests function as planetary carbon pumps. Deforestation destroys this capacity. When trees are removed, the rate of regional photosynthesis declines sharply.
Section 1
Broken Pumps
Forests function as planetary carbon pumps. Deforestation destroys this capacity. When trees are removed, the rate of regional photosynthesis declines sharply.
This reduction means fewer carbon atoms are being pulled from the atmosphere and fixed into biological matter. The natural mechanism for lowering atmospheric CO₂ is effectively disabled.
Section 2
Releasing the Store
The method of deforestation often exacerbates the carbon imbalance. Burning or decomposing cleared trees converts stored solid carbon directly back into gaseous carbon dioxide.
This process turns a carbon sink into a carbon source. The sudden release of stored carbon, combined with the loss of photosynthetic capacity, drives a rapid increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentrations.
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Section 1
Broken Pumps
Forests function as planetary carbon pumps. Deforestation destroys this capacity. When trees are removed, the rate of regional photosynthesis declines sharply.
This reduction means fewer carbon atoms are being pulled from the atmosphere and fixed into biological matter. The natural mechanism for lowering atmospheric CO₂ is effectively disabled.
Section 2
Releasing the Store
The method of deforestation often exacerbates the carbon imbalance. Burning or decomposing cleared trees converts stored solid carbon directly back into gaseous carbon dioxide.
This process turns a carbon sink into a carbon source. The sudden release of stored carbon, combined with the loss of photosynthetic capacity, drives a rapid increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentrations.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter