What is one consequence of increased greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation?

Increased greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation contribute significantly to climate change acceleration. Deforestation reduces the number of trees that can absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the primary greenhouse gases. When trees are cut down, not only does the capacity of the ecosystem to sequester CO2 diminish, but the act of deforestation itself often releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere as the biomass decomposes or is burned.

Moreover, as atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases rise, they trap more heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to changes in climate patterns experienced globally. This includes phenomena such as rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. These climatic alterations can have profound effects on ecosystems, agriculture, and human societies, illustrating the interconnectedness of deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change.

In contrast, improved plant growth, decreased water retention, and enhanced natural habitats do not align with the consequences of increased greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation. Instead, these options typically reflect either neutral or positive outcomes that are not generally linked to the negative impact of deforestation.