What is a common environmental impact of deforestation?

Deforestation has a significant impact on the environment, and one of the most critical consequences is its contribution to climate change. Trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere. When forests are cleared or burned, not only is this carbon-storage capability diminished, but the carbon stored in the trees is released back into the atmosphere, further increasing greenhouse gas concentrations. This process contributes to global warming, altering weather patterns and leading to climate instability.

In contrast, the other choices reflect outcomes that are typically not associated with deforestation. Increased biodiversity usually thrives in forested areas, as diverse plant and animal species rely on the ecosystem that forests provide. Improved soil fertility is often compromised with deforestation, as the removal of tree cover can lead to soil erosion and degradation. Lastly, reduced air pollution is generally not a result of deforestation; rather, the removal of trees can lead to poorer air quality, as trees help to filter pollutants from the atmosphere.