Bush burning affects the atmosphere directly by adding to carbon(IV) oxide accumulation. When biomass (e.g., trees, grass, etc.) burns, carbon stored in the biomass is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. This process of burning biomass and releasing CO2 into the atmosphere is a major cause of climate change. In addition, bush burning can also indirectly affect the atmosphere by leaving the land surface bare, leading to soil erosion and further releasing carbon stored in the soil. While bush burning can add ashes to the soil, which can have some benefits, the direct impact on the atmosphere is the release of CO2.