Q. Consider the following statements:
1.Desertification is a cause of deforestation.
2.Crop rotation is a major contributor to deforestation in tropical regions.
3.A significant environmental consequence of deforestation is increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
4.Selective logging and wildfires sometimes harm the climate more than deforestation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation –
Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect. Desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes desert, often due to factors like drought, deforestation, and improper agricultural practices. While deforestation can contribute to desertification, desertification itself is not a cause of deforestation. Crop rotation is an agricultural practice that involves growing different types of crops in the same area in sequenced seasons to improve soil health and reduce pests and diseases. It is generally considered a sustainable practice and is not a major contributor to deforestation. However, slash-and-burn agriculture is a major contributor to deforestation in tropical regions.
Statements 3 and 4 are correct. Deforestation leads to the release of stored carbon dioxide in trees back into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change. Recent studies suggest that selective logging and wildfires can have significant adverse impacts on the climate, sometimes even more than deforestation, due to the ongoing and widespread nature of these activities.
Source: DD News
