What long-term impact could the destruction of large areas of forests have on Earth?

The destruction of large areas of forests has a significant long-term impact on atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Forests play a crucial role in the carbon cycle; they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and store carbon in their biomass. When forests are destroyed, this stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere, primarily through the burning of trees and decomposition of organic matter. This process leads to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, contributing to global warming and climate change.

In contrast, the other options either do not accurately represent the effects of deforestation or are contrary to the expected outcomes. For example, decreased rates of erosion typically result from forest cover, as trees and vegetation stabilize the soil. Similarly, deforestation is likely to lead to increased, not decreased, acid rain due to the loss of trees that can absorb certain pollutants. Lastly, the destruction of forests would not increase atmospheric oxygen levels; in fact, it would likely lead to a decrease since fewer trees would be available to produce oxygen through photosynthesis.