> Burning trees doesn't actually change the atmospheric balance at all. This gets trotted out every time population, deforestation, and similar are discussed i

> Burning trees doesn't actually change the atmospheric balance at all. This gets trotted out every time population, deforestation, and similar are discussed in relation to climate. Yes, the cycle is roughly balanced. However, the magnitude of CO2 in the cycle increases. The cycle is not instantaneous; some of that CO2 in the cycle is always atmospheric. If you increase the volume of CO2 in the cycle you by definition and necessity increase the volume in the atmosphere at any given time.