Composition and Structure of the Atmosphere — Question 9

Conversion of forest land into agricultural land cause global warming in the following ways:

1. Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Absorption: Forests absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere in large amount. When forests are cut down to create agricultural land, this ability to absorb CO₂ is reduced. As a result, more carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming.

2. Release of Stored Carbon: When trees are cut and often burned to clear the land, the carbon stored in trees is released into the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide, further increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases. This extra CO₂ traps more heat and raises the Earth's average temperature.

Thus, deforestation for agriculture both reduces CO₂ absorption and increases CO₂ emission, making it a major cause of global warming.