Question
Select the statement(s) that most accurately describe the effects of desertification.
financial growth
increase of greenhouse gases
loss of plant species
growth of populations
poverty and hunger
financial growth
increase of greenhouse gases
loss of plant species
growth of populations
poverty and hunger
Answers
GPT-5 mini
Correct choices: increase of greenhouse gases; loss of plant species; poverty and hunger.
Why:
- Desertification destroys vegetation and soil organic matter, reducing carbon sequestration and often releasing CO2 — so it can contribute to increased greenhouse gases.
- It eliminates habitats and plant cover, causing loss of plant species and biodiversity.
- Reduced soil fertility and productivity lowers crop yields and livelihoods, driving poverty and hunger.
Not correct:
- financial growth — desertification typically undermines local economies, not promotes financial growth.
- growth of populations — desertification reduces land carrying capacity and often causes out-migration rather than population growth.
Why:
- Desertification destroys vegetation and soil organic matter, reducing carbon sequestration and often releasing CO2 — so it can contribute to increased greenhouse gases.
- It eliminates habitats and plant cover, causing loss of plant species and biodiversity.
- Reduced soil fertility and productivity lowers crop yields and livelihoods, driving poverty and hunger.
Not correct:
- financial growth — desertification typically undermines local economies, not promotes financial growth.
- growth of populations — desertification reduces land carrying capacity and often causes out-migration rather than population growth.