Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of carbon sinks?

The primary purpose of carbon sinks is to absorb and store carbon dioxide, thus helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Carbon sinks, which include forests, oceans, and soil, play a crucial role in the carbon cycle by capturing atmospheric CO2 through processes such as photosynthesis in plants and algae. This carbon is then stored in biomass and sediments, effectively reducing the amount of carbon dioxide available in the atmosphere.

While producing oxygen is a byproduct of photosynthesis, it is not the primary function of carbon sinks. Additionally, while carbon sinks can contribute to reducing pollution, their main focus is specifically on carbon dioxide absorption and storage. Increasing the greenhouse effect is contrary to the role of carbon sinks, as their function is aimed at lowering greenhouse gas concentrations, thus mitigating climate change rather than exacerbating it.