As well as destroying such native ecosystems, deforestation also diminishes so-called "carbon sinks" -- thereby reducing the Earth's capacity to absorb and re-process atmospheric carbon dioxide -- while also adding to air pollution through the burning of land to clear it for cultivation (sugarcane fields are traditionally fired prior to harvest to remove leaves and drive away snakes).

CNN: Biofuel: Green savior or red herring?

During photosynthesis -- the process when the plant absorbs carbon dioxide and gives off oxygen -- organic tissue absorbs airborne toxins.

CNN: Office foliage for feel good factor

EPA, which ruled -- which ruling set in motion the scientific process to determine whether the public health was threatened by carbon dioxide as a pollutant.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing