How does deforestation contribute to global climate change?

Deforestation significantly contributes to global climate change primarily by removing carbon sinks from the atmosphere. Trees play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, during the process of photosynthesis. When forests are cleared or degraded, not only is this carbon absorption capacity reduced, but the carbon stored in the trees is also released back into the atmosphere, especially if the trees are burned or left to rot.

This release of carbon dioxide exacerbates the greenhouse effect, leading to an increase in Earth's temperatures and contributing to climate change. The loss of forested areas diminishes the Earth's ability to sequester carbon, making it more challenging to manage atmospheric carbon levels effectively.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the impact of deforestation on climate change. Increasing the number of trees or promoting alternative energy sources would actually help mitigate climate change, rather than contribute to it. Similarly, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions is not an outcome of deforestation; instead, deforestation results in increased emissions. Understanding this mechanism is essential for addressing environmental management and climate change strategies.