Degradation of tropical forests: a significant source of carbon emissions

In 10 seconds? Scientists have discovered that degradation of tropical forests in developing countries releases 2.1 billion tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere every year.

What’s the significance of it? This study is the first to give a complete estimate of gross emissions that result from the degradation of forest in developing countries in tropical and sub-tropical latitudes. Until now scientists focused on quantifying emissions from deforestation, which is easier to detect using satellite images and therefore easier to monitor, but it only paints part of the picture.