Which environmental factor is linked to increased likelihood of flooding at hazardous sites?

The correct answer is linked to climate change because it significantly impacts weather patterns and increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. As global temperatures rise, so does the capacity of the atmosphere to hold moisture, which leads to heavier and more intense rainfall events. This sudden influx of rain can overwhelm drainage systems and alter natural waterways, leading to increased flooding at various sites, particularly those already deemed hazardous due to their geographical or structural vulnerabilities.

While options like deforestation, urbanization, and soil erosion contribute to flooding in other ways, such as altering land use, reducing the natural absorption of rainwater, or destabilizing soil, climate change acts on a broader scale. It affects not only local environmental conditions but also participates in global atmospheric changes, leading to more severe storm systems and flooding events. Understanding the connection between climate change and flooding helps in devising more effective strategies for disaster preparedness and environmental conservation.