Why Do Forests Make Such a Difference for Climate Change?

Imagine your forest like a big sponge. Trees drink up carbon dioxide from the air when they grow, and store it in their trunks, leaves, and roots, kind of like how you save money in a piggy bank. But if forests are cut down or burned, that stored carbon goes back into the air as carbon dioxide, making the planet warmer. That’s why forests help fight climate change!

Take the quiz →

Examples

A forest acts like a giant sponge, soaking up carbon dioxide from the air when trees grow.
If you burn down a forest, it releases all that stored carbon dioxide, making the planet warmer.
Imagine your tree as a piggy bank, every year it stores more money (or carbon) in its trunk.

Ask a question

Discussion

Recent activity

Categories: Environment · climate change· forests· carbon cycle· environmental science