What is a common environmental impact of deforestation?

Deforestation significantly contributes to climate change, making it the most relevant choice in this context. Forests play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate by absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. When trees are cut down or burned, this stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere, increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases. This process not only contributes to global warming but also disrupts local weather patterns. Additionally, deforestation can lead to a loss of biodiversity, as many species lose their habitats, and it can degrade soil quality, making it less fertile. As a result, the overall ecological balance is disturbed, which can further exacerbate climate change and its associated impacts.

The other options, such as increased biodiversity or improved soil fertility, contrast sharply with the realities of deforestation. Deforestation typically leads to habitat loss, which decreases biodiversity. Similarly, while some areas may experience temporary soil fertility improvements due to land clearing, the long-term effects generally result in soil degradation and erosion, especially when the land is not managed sustainably. Lastly, air pollution is often exacerbated by deforestation through the release of ash and smoke from burning trees, rather than reduced. Thus, the contribution to climate change stands out as a primary and direct environmental impact of deforestation.