Cutting down trees, especially on the massive scale that is occurring today, has a definite effect on the weather in several ways: 1) trees and other plant life absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants that cause global warming; 2) plants also absorb sunlight and areas covered by forest thus reflecting less sunlight back into the atmosphere; 3) trees near homes and commercial buildings help reduce electricity use because they keep buildings cooler in the summer and serve as a barrier against cold winds in the winter.