Consider statements about environment: 1. Deforestation leads to soil erosion. 2. Afforestation helps in carbon sequestration. 3. Plastic is biodegradable. Which are correct? MCQ with Answer and Explanation

Deforestation, the removal of trees and vegetation, exposes the topsoil to wind and water, leading to severe soil erosion and loss of fertility. Afforestation, the planting of trees in barren areas, increases biomass and helps in carbon sequestration, as trees absorb atmospheric CO2 during photosynthesis, mitigating global warming. Most plastics are synthetic polymers that are non-biodegradable, persisting in the environment for hundreds of years and causing pollution. Thus, statements 1 and 2 are correct.