Deforestation is the changing of forested lands to non-forest uses. This is often cited as one of the major causes of the enhanced greenhouse effect for two reasons: trees that are burned release carbon dioxide; and trees that are cut no longer remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

 

Deforestation has become a huge problem for the environment because it depletes one of Earth's most important natural resources; increases CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere, contributing significantly to climate change; and simultaneously disrupts and destroys the habitat of thousands of species of plants and animals. (Source: EPA / Photo: Flickr)