What characterizes the author's statement regarding deforestation and ranching interests?

The author’s statement regarding deforestation and ranching interests can be characterized as an assertion because it presents a claim or declaration about the relationship between the two subjects without necessarily providing supporting evidence or context. Assertions often serve to express a viewpoint or standpoint that is meant to be taken as definitive, which aligns with the idea of discussing the implications of ranching on deforestation.

A fact would require empirical evidence that can be objectively proven true or false, while an interpretation would involve a subjective analysis of the data or evidence surrounding deforestation and ranching. An informed opinion would suggest that the author has well-researched knowledge supporting the opinion, but in this case, the term "assertion" more accurately captures the nature of the statement as a clear opinion being presented as truth without the backing of extensive evidence or a thorough analytical framework.