Final answer:
Option (A), Deforestation leads to environmental imbalances and contributes to climate change, which is driven by greenhouse gas emissions and affects the planet profoundly. Pollution has severe impacts on marine life, and recycling is key in reducing environmental degradation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Human Impact on the Environment
Humans have significantly impacted the Earth in various ways, and one of the main issues is deforestation, which has led to habitat loss, biodiversity reduction, and has contributed to climate change. The cutting down of trees without sufficient reforestation results in a decrease in forested areas, affecting the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Deforestation is largely driven by the need for agricultural land, timber, and urban expansion.
Climate change is a complex phenomenon that involves changes in Earth's overall temperature over time, influenced by natural events and human activities. The primary human-induced cause of climate change is the emission of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, from burning fossil fuels for energy, deforestation, and industrial processes. As a result, extreme weather patterns, rising sea levels, and shifting wildlife populations and habitats are becoming more common.
Pollution impacts marine life through the introduction of harmful substances, such as plastics, oil spills, and toxic chemicals, into the ocean. This results in consequences like the disruption of marine food chains, injury or death to marine species, and the degradation of marine ecosystems. Recycling plays a crucial role in mitigating these environmental impacts, as it helps reduce waste going to landfills, saves energy, and conserves natural resources.