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September 7, 2008 5:32:16 AM CDT

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Burning Forests Heat Globe

Posted May 14, 07 8:56 AM CDT in World,  Science & Health 

(Newser) – Destruction of rainforests is a bigger source of global warming than all the planes, cars and factories in the world, concludes a study reported today in the Independent. It's not just the loss of forests, which absorb CO2, that's the problem. It's the rampant burning of those forests that actually pumps more CO2 into the atmosphere than any sector except energy.

With burning forests responsible for 25% of all greenhouse gasses, Indonesia and Brazil are now the third- and fourth-largest  producers in the world (after the US and China).  And it's one problem that could be solved without new technology; what's needed is political will and financial incentives to poor nations, the rainforest experts conclude.

Source Independent (UK)

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PANAMA. 2004. Deforestation not far from Boca de Cupe. (NYC38853)   (Magnum Photos)
Indonesia's rapidly shrinking rainforests have led the nation to become a major contributor to Global Warming.   (Getty Images)
The tropical rainforest of Braullio Carrillo National Park is seen north-east of San Jose, Costa Rica, Monday May 7, 2007. The U.S. and Costa Rican governments announced negotiations for $ 12.6 milion...   (Associated Press)
BRAZIL. Amazonia. Rainforest cleared for agriculture. 1998. (LON26999)   (Magnum Photos)
PANAMA. 2004. Looking toward the Cana Valley, showing forestation. (NYC38822)   (Magnum Photos)
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climate change  • global warming  • environment  • carbon emissions  • Brazil  • greenhouse gases  • Indonesia  • deforestation  • rainforest


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