What is one consequence of deforestation on climate change?

Deforestation directly contributes to climate change primarily by increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Trees and forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. When forests are cut down or burned, the carbon stored in the trees is released back into the atmosphere as CO2, a potent greenhouse gas. This increase in CO2 levels enhances the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and climate change.

Moreover, forests play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate by influencing temperature, precipitation patterns, and overall ecological balance. The loss of forests not only releases stored carbon but also diminishes the planet's capacity to absorb CO2 in the future, creating a cycle that exacerbates climate change.

While options like increased agricultural productivity may seem plausible in terms of land use changes, they do not address the core issue of how deforestation impacts the climate system through elevated greenhouse gas emissions. Enhanced biodiversity conservation is contrary to the effects of deforestation, as it typically leads to a loss of species and habitats. Similarly, the reduction of urban heat islands relates more to urban planning and greenery within cities rather than the direct consequences of deforestation. Thus, the increase in greenhouse gas emissions stands out as the most direct and impactful consequence of deforestation