Question

Deforestation reduces the plant cover, upsetting the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide. Plants through photosynthesis absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. With the depleted forests not able to absorb carbon dioxide, the balance of gases remains in the air, which causes global warming. If global warming is not controlled, it will lead to large-scale changes in the climate of the planet.

1. ‘Ek ped maa ke naam’ is the slogan given by the Honourable Prime Minister of India. Why do you think the head of state is so concerned about the afforestation drive being taken seriously in the country?
2. How is afforestation expected to reduce the threat of global warming?

Answer 1

Because unchecked deforestation raises atmospheric CO₂, upsetting the oxygen–carbon dioxide balance and driving global warming, which threatens people’s lives, livelihoods, ecosystems, and the country’s future. Plants absorb CO₂ and release O₂ by photosynthesis, so the loss of forests means less CO₂ removal and larger-scale climate changes (sea‑level rise, altered rainfall, more droughts/floods, melting glaciers, etc.).

Afforestation reduces the threat of global warming mainly by increasing the number of trees that absorb and store (sequester) carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, restoring the CO₂ – O₂ balance and lowering greenhouse‑gas concentrations. Trees also protect soil, reduce erosion, and help moderate local climate (evapotranspiration), so planting more forests is a key mitigation measure.