What is a major concern of deforestation in relation to climate change?

The major concern of deforestation in relation to climate change is that it reduces CO2 absorption by trees. Trees play a critical role in the carbon cycle as they absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere during the process of photosynthesis. When forests are cleared or degraded, not only is the capacity for CO2 absorption diminished, but the carbon stored in the trees is often released back into the atmosphere as CO2, particularly if the trees are burned or decompose. This exacerbates the greenhouse effect, leading to increased global temperatures and other climate-related issues.

The capacity of forests to act as carbon sinks is essential for mitigating climate change effects. Therefore, deforestation poses a significant threat as it interferes with this natural process, leading to heightened atmospheric CO2 levels and contributing to global warming.