What is the environmental impact of deforestation?

Deforestation has significant environmental impacts, primarily characterized by the loss of habitat and increased carbon emissions. When trees are cut down or burned, the carbon stored in these trees is released back into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change. This process not only escalates global warming but also leads to a decline in air quality as there are fewer trees to absorb carbon dioxide. Additionally, the removal of trees destroys the habitats of countless species, leading to decreased biodiversity as animals and plants face extinction or displacement due to the loss of their natural environments. The interdependent relationships within ecosystems are disrupted, which can have cascading effects on overall ecological health. Thus, this choice accurately encompasses the most critical environmental repercussions of deforestation.