Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the highlighted word.
Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world.

Correct option is C

The correct antonym of the given word is (c) Development.
Given word: Degradation – The process of becoming worse or being brought to a lower state. (गिरावट / क्षरण)
Example: Soil degradation due to deforestation is alarming.
Correct answer word: Development – The process of improvement and progress. (विकास)
Example: Sustainable development helps both economy and environment.
Synonyms: deterioration, decline, erosion.
Antonyms: development, improvement, progress.
Other options:
· (a) Disaster – Calamity (आपदा)
· (b) Distribution – Spreading something (वितरण)
· (d) Demand – Request or need (मांग)