The correct answer is option 1: absorption of carbon dioxide. Forests play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. Trees take in carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and release oxygen, helping to regulate the Earth`s climate. By keeping larger areas under forests, we can increase the amount of carbon dioxide that is absorbed from the atmosphere, thus mitigating the effects of climate change. This is an important step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving the health of our planet. While protecting wildlife, raising precipitation, and maintaining geological balance are also important reasons to keep forests intact, in this particular question, the primary focus is on the absorption of carbon dioxide.