Mankind is adding over 5 billion tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere each year, mostly from the burning of fossil fuels. At the same time our planet's tropical forests are being cutover and burned at the rate of some 27 million acres each year. This burning releases billions of tons of carbon, which was trapped in plant material, into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.
Most experts agree that it is.
Their warming estimates range from 3 to 4.5 degrees Centigrade, with the greatest warming occurring at the poles. Much less consensus exists, however, over what climatic changes will result or how soon. Continued monitoring and research are needed. If a tree is eventually burned or allowed to rot, the carbon dioxide is rereleased for no net gain. If the tree is manufactured into boards or other durable products, however, some carbon is locked up indefinitely.