Name one environmental issue Jamaica faces.

• A. Air pollution
• B. Water scarcity
• C. Climate change effects
• D. Deforestation

Answer: (D)

Deforestation stands out because Jamaica has experienced substantial loss of forest cover from logging, land clearance for farming, and development. When forests disappear, soil becomes exposed and erodes easily, sending sediment into rivers and streams, which harms water quality and aquatic habitats. With fewer trees to retain moisture, the land also loses its natural water storage, which can reduce dry-season water supply and increase flood risk during rains. Forests store carbon, so removing them releases more CO2 and makes the country more vulnerable to climate fluctuations. The remaining forests, such as those in and around protected areas like the Blue Mountains, are crucial for maintaining watersheds, biodiversity, and resilience. While other environmental issues like air pollution, water scarcity in some areas, and broader climate-change effects exist, deforestation directly links to many of these problems and has been a central focus of Jamaica’s conservation efforts.