deforestation+(cc)

Caitlain: Destruction of the rainforest releases carbon dioxide through disturbing the substantial residue of carbon in the soil, the decay of leaves and wood, and combustion in "slash and burn" forest clearance. Thirty percent of the carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere over the past 150 years is thought to come from deforestation, but this is a small amount compared to what is still stored in forests. The Canadian and Russian boreal forests alone hold 40 percent of the world's carbon stocks. Halting deforestation is central to tackling climate change, as around 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions are caused by deforestation.