How do forests contribute to air quality?

Forests play a vital role in maintaining air quality primarily by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) and releasing oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. Trees act as natural carbon sinks, meaning they take in more CO2 than they emit, effectively reducing the amount of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. This is especially important in the context of climate change, as elevated CO2 levels contribute to global warming. When trees photosynthesize, they convert CO2 into glucose for growth, and in doing so, they release oxygen, which is essential for the survival of most life forms on Earth.

While it is true that other options present potential connections between forests and air quality, they do not capture the fundamental and most impactful contribution as clearly as the absorption of CO2 and release of oxygen does. For example, while forests can influence local microclimates, such as generating cool breezes that may have a slight effect on pollutant dispersion, this effect is less direct and not primarily their main contribution to air quality. Therefore, the role of forests in absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen is the most significant and beneficial aspect regarding air quality.