What effect does deforestation have on the environment?

Deforestation significantly contributes to climate change for several reasons. Trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, during the process of photosynthesis. When forests are cleared or burned, not only is this carbon-storing capacity reduced, but the carbon stored in the trees is released back into the atmosphere, further increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases.

Moreover, forests help regulate local and global climates by influencing weather patterns, maintaining humidity levels, and providing shade that moderates temperatures. The loss of trees disrupts these natural processes, leading to more extreme temperatures and altered rainfall patterns, which can exacerbate global warming.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the ecological consequences of deforestation accurately. While deforestation may lead to more land for agriculture, this practice tends to undermine biodiversity and disrupt ecosystems. It does not increase biodiversity, as it destroys habitats critical for many species. Additionally, deforestation does not stabilize local climates; rather, it has the opposite effect by destabilizing and altering environmental conditions.