Question

How does clear-cutting a forest directly affect climate?(1 point)
Fewer trees lead to species extinction and reduced biodiversity.
Fewer trees lead to less atmospheric water over once-forested areas.
Fewer trees lead to a decrease in Earth’s carbon dioxide absorption.
Fewer trees lead to less stable soil in once-forested areas.

Answer 1

The direct effect of clear-cutting a forest on climate is that fewer trees lead to a decrease in Earth’s carbon dioxide absorption. Trees play a significant role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and removing them increases the overall levels of this greenhouse gas, contributing to climate change. Therefore, the correct answer is:

**Fewer trees lead to a decrease in Earth’s carbon dioxide absorption.**