The main message of the first paragraph is that...

A deforestation is less damaging to the environment than was traditionally believed. B vehicles driven by standard fuels are responsible for 17% of all CO2 emissions. C the statistics surrounding forest clearance are grossly exaggerated. D it is time to limit the CO2 emissions from the world’s fleet of cars and trucks. E forest clearance causes more CO2 emissions than all the world’s vehicles together.