Reduction of deforestation and carbon dioxide emissions by some governments

The idea

Deforestation removes trees that absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, so cutting fewer trees slows the rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Burning felled timber and clearing land also release carbon dioxide, so reducing deforestation lowers emissions from both loss of carbon sinks and combustion. Some governments act by designating protected forest reserves, enforcing logging bans, promoting sustainable timber, or paying landowners to conserve woodland. International agreements and national targets for lowering carbon dioxide emissions reinforce these measures. The overall effect is to slow habitat loss, protect biodiversity and reduce the enhanced greenhouse effect.

For example: A country that bans clear-felling in a rainforest reserve preserves habitats and keeps stored carbon locked in living trees.

What earns the marks

• Deforestation reduces the number of trees available to absorb carbon dioxide by photosynthesis, so atmospheric carbon dioxide can rise.
• Clearing forest by burning releases carbon dioxide that was stored in the trees, adding to emissions.
• Reducing deforestation protects habitats and the species living there, helping to maintain biodiversity.
• Governments can reduce deforestation by creating protected areas, enforcing logging restrictions, promoting sustainable timber and supporting replanting.
• Lower carbon dioxide emissions slow the enhanced greenhouse effect and the associated climate change.
• Government action may include international agreements, national emission targets, taxes or incentives for forest conservation.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Thinking deforestation only affects habitats and not atmospheric carbon dioxide.

  Put it right: Fewer trees means less photosynthesis, so less carbon dioxide is removed, and burning adds carbon dioxide.

• Confusing deforestation with planting trees.

  Put it right: Deforestation is the removal of forest, while replanting or afforestation is a separate conservation action.

Exam tips

• Link each government action to a specific effect on carbon dioxide or biodiversity rather than listing actions alone.
• Use the phrase carbon sink when explaining how forests store carbon, and state that burning releases the stored carbon.
• When asked to evaluate, give one benefit and one limitation of government action, such as cost or difficulty of enforcement.