Humanity and the Weather

Humanity’s Impact

Why are trees and other vegetation important to the weather and climate?

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.