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How does deforestation lead to a DECREASE of CO2 levels?

I understand how large-scale deforestations may lead to an increase of CO2 levels in the atmosphere in the area, but not a decrease?

Does anyone have any reasonable ideas?

Thank you.
Reply 1
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*theKid*
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Anyone?
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Reply 2
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Johno10
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Deforestation removes the ability of trees to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and it also adds excess oxygen into the atmosphere.

I am not sure how deforestation would lead to a decrease. Though there is an air of uncertainty surrounding boreal forests. Research shows that the low surface albedo may in fact counterbalance carbon storing, so in a way boreal forests warm the climate
Reply 3
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*theKid*
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Johno10
Deforestation removes the ability of trees to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and it also adds excess oxygen into the atmosphere.

I am not sure how deforestation would lead to a decrease. Though there is an air of uncertainty surrounding boreal forests. Research shows that the low surface albedo may in fact counterbalance carbon storing, so in a way boreal forests warm the climate


Thank you for your input =)
Common sense suggests that oxygen production is photosynthesis outweighs carbon dioxide production in respiration for plants and trees, however I cannot find any data giving the relative levels of oxygen produced and carbon dioxide produced per year for plants.

As common sense is not a measure alone, I would propose the hypothesis that trees produce more carbon dioxide (during respiration) than oxygen (during photosynthesis).
Reply 5
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*theKid*
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atheistwithfaith
Common sense suggests that oxygen production is photosynthesis outweighs carbon dioxide production in respiration for plants and trees, however I cannot find any data giving the relative levels of oxygen produced and carbon dioxide produced per year for plants.

As common sense is not a measure alone, I would propose the hypothesis that trees produce more carbon dioxide (during respiration) than oxygen (during photosynthesis).


Ahh, thank you for your input =)
Reply 6
Avatar for Colesylad
Colesylad
Sup guy, in my opinion this question is about succession more than anything. Deforestation leads to an effective reset of the succession cycle, reverting to stage 1-2 in which most the inhabitants are plants. Hence CO2 conc is reduced as the new species photosynthesise without other organisms respiring and increasing the CO2 conc in the atmosphere.

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