The Carbon Cycle A wood fire does not contribute to global warming because no more carbon dioxide is released than the natural forest would release if left untouched. Answers to your questions about burning wood for heat and enjoyment. A new look at the World's oldest fuel Using energy from the sun, nature's carbon cycle goes around, from the atmosphere to the forest and back. Here is how it works.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air as they grow.
In fact, about half their dry weight is this absorbed carbon. As old trees die and decay, or are consumed in a forest fire, their carbon is again released to the air as carbon dioxide. This is nature's carbon cycle. When firewood is used as an energy source, part of the natural carbon cycle is brought into our homes to heat them. A fire on the hearth releases the solar energy stored by the tree as it grew.