One tree binds one ton CO2 per year!

To combat this rise in CO₂, environmentalists emphasize the importance of trees. Because trees absorb CO₂ as part of photosynthesis, they can capture some of the greenhouse gases released by cars and industrial plants and thus help combat climate change. It is estimated that the world’s forests capture as much as 638 billion tons of carbon each year. This is stored in biomass – trunks, branches, foliage roots, etc. – and in soil.

Environmentalists thus warn of the dangers of deforestation.

Not only does it eliminate CO2 absorbers, the cutting and burning of trees actually releases stored carbon into the atmosphere. Experts say that deforestation accounts for at least 20 percent of annual global carbon emissions. Looking beyond our carbon footprint, conservationists also point to the devastating impact of deforestation on local ecosystems. By eroding natural resources, it accelerates the extinction of endangered species and threatens biodiversity.