Question

how does deforestation lead to climate change? (1 point)
cutting trees releases stored oxygen, and there will be less trees to remove oxygen from the atmosphere.
cutting trees releases stored nitrogen, and there will be less trees to remove nitrous oxide from the atmosphere.
cutting trees releases stored carbon, and there will be less trees to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
cutting trees releases stored methane, and there will be less trees to remove methane from the atmosphere.

Explanation:

Trees store carbon (e.g., in biomass). Deforestation (cutting trees) releases stored carbon (e.g., when trees are burned or decompose). Also, trees perform photosynthesis to remove $\ce{CO_2}$ from the atmosphere; fewer trees mean less $\ce{CO_2}$ removal. Excess $\ce{CO_2}$ is a greenhouse gas, contributing to climate change. Other options are incorrect: trees don't store/release oxygen in a way that drives climate change (first option), nor do they primarily deal with nitrogen/nitrous oxide (second) or methane (fourth) in the context of deforestation's climate impact.

Answer:

C. Cutting trees releases stored carbon, and there will be less trees to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.