Implications of DEFORESTATION
Species loss--The majority of earthÕs species live in the tropics.
The majority of the species in the tropics have very limited ranges, increasing the importance of
small patches of land for overall
biodiversity.
Local climate change--The loss of rain forest alters precipitation and cloud patterns.
Global carbon
cycle--The burning of the
forests releases carbon dioxide into
the atmosphere, contributing to the
increase in greenhouse gas concentrations.