The correct answer is A. Deforestation.
Deforestation is the permanent removal of trees to make room for something besides forest. This can include clearing the land for agriculture or grazing, or using the timber for fuel, construction or manufacturing.
Deforestation can have a number of negative effects on the environment, including:
- Soil erosion: When trees are removed, the soil is no longer held in place by their roots. This can lead to soil erosion, which can damage waterways and make it difficult for plants to grow.
- Climate change: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps to regulate the Earth’s temperature. When trees are removed, this carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
- Loss of biodiversity: Forests are home to a wide variety of plants and animals. When forests are cleared, these plants and animals lose their habitat and may become extinct.
Deforestation can also aggravate the effects of drought. Trees help to regulate the water cycle by absorbing water from the soil and releasing it into the atmosphere through transpiration. When trees are removed, this water is no longer available, which can lead to drought.
In addition, deforestation can make it more difficult for people to cope with drought. Trees provide shade, which can help to cool people down during hot weather. They also provide food and other resources that can be used during times of drought. When trees are removed, people are more likely to suffer from the effects of drought.
Therefore, deforestation is an important factor that aggravates the effect of drought.