How do changes in land use contribute to climate change?

Changes in land use contribute to climate change primarily by altering the balance between carbon emissions and carbon storage. When land is converted for agricultural, urban, or industrial purposes, natural landscapes such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands are often disrupted or removed. This transformation typically leads to an increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as stored carbon in plants and soil is released into the atmosphere.

For instance, deforestation—one of the most significant changes in land use—removes trees that absorb CO2, thereby reducing the capacity of that land to sequester carbon. Additionally, the equipment and processes involved in converting the land often rely on fossil fuels, which further contribute to CO2 emissions. The result is a net increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.

In contrast to other options, this understanding emphasizes the significant role that land use change plays in enhancing greenhouse gas concentrations, contrasting it with the notion that such changes could solely increase land fertility or have no impact at all. This insight is essential for understanding the multifaceted relationship between human activities, land management practices, and climate change dynamics.