Deforestation affects the carbon and water cycles

Deforestation disrupts the carbon cycle because less CO₂ is absorbed from the atmosphere for photosynthesis CO₂ is a greenhouse gas in the atmosphere that enhances the greenhouse effect and contributes to climate change Deforestation disrupts the water cycle because less water is absorbed and transpired Deforestation leads to more surface runoff of water, increasing flooding and putting our food security at risk Mitigation strategies include reforestation and legal protection of forests to prevent deforestation