How much carbon dioxide is released during the cutting of a tree?

The only carbon dioxide released by simply cutting the tree is that which is produced by the energy required to cut the tree: the human breathing out carbon dioxide as he swings an axe or uses a saw, the carbon dioxide emitted by a chainsaw's combustion engine, or the carbon dioxide emitted by logging machinery while cutting the tree.

Significantly more carbon is emitted afterward as the lumber is transported from the site and as the tree is cut up into smaller pieces, then the smaller pieces are shipped all over. Finally, as the wood biodegrades (or burns), some carbon dioxide will be released.