________ can affect global climates, and cause an increase in carbon dioxide levels, soil erosion, and loss of animal habitats.

________ can affect global climates, and cause an increase in carbon dioxide levels, soil erosion, and loss of animal habitats.

• A. Urbanization
• B. Pollution
• C. Deforestation
• D. Overfishing

Answer: (C)

Removing forests has a direct, intertwined impact on global climate, carbon balance, soil stability, and wildlife habitats. Forests store large amounts of carbon in trees and soils; when forests are cleared or burned, that carbon is released back into the atmosphere, boosting carbon dioxide levels and driving climate change. The absence of tree roots also makes soil more vulnerable to erosion from rain and wind, stripping away nutrients and degrading land. At the same time, clearing forests destroys the habitats that countless animal species depend on for food, shelter, and breeding. Because deforestation connects rising CO2, increased soil erosion, and loss of animal habitats in one process, it best fits all three effects described. Other options can influence climate or habitats in various ways, but they don’t tie together these three impacts as directly.

Removing forests has a direct, intertwined impact on global climate, carbon balance, soil stability, and wildlife habitats. Forests store large amounts of carbon in trees and soils; when forests are cleared or burned, that carbon is released back into the atmosphere, boosting carbon dioxide levels and driving climate change. The absence of tree roots also makes soil more vulnerable to erosion from rain and wind, stripping away nutrients and degrading land. At the same time, clearing forests destroys the habitats that countless animal species depend on for food, shelter, and breeding. Because deforestation connects rising CO2, increased soil erosion, and loss of animal habitats in one process, it best fits all three effects described. Other options can influence climate or habitats in various ways, but they don’t tie together these three impacts as directly.