What is the primary consequence of rainforest destruction on the greenhouse effect?

• A. It decreases CO2 levels
• B. It increases CO2 levels, thereby enhancing the greenhouse effect.
• C. It has no impact on atmospheric CO2
• D. It increases methane emissions

Answer: (B)

Rainforests store large amounts of carbon in trees and soils. When they are cleared or burned, that carbon is released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, and the landscape loses its capacity to take up CO2 in the future. The result is higher atmospheric CO2 concentrations, which trap more heat and strengthen the greenhouse effect. While disturbances can change methane emissions, the primary driver of the greenhouse effect in rainforest destruction is the increase in CO2 levels.