Chapter 44, Problem 2CT

Summary Introduction

To explain:

The decrease in the amount of vegetation contributes to the rise in the atmospheric content of carbon dioxide.

Introduction:

Vegetation is a term that includes all plants from evergreen forests to grass land. Plants convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into oxygen through the process called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis plants use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to produce sugar and oxygen.

Carbon dioxide is one of the “greenhouse gases” that causes global warming.

Increased level of atmospheric ${CO}_2$ concentration is caused by the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and desertification.