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India’s beautiful green landscapes have been a strong helper in fighting climate change. For the past ten years, they’ve been able to absorb more carbon dioxide than the country produces in a whole year. This impressive feat underscores the critical role of vegetation in climate change mitigation and adaptation. However, a recent study by researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal, reveals a concerning trend: the rate of carbon sequestration declines during extreme climate events such as droughts.
The Role of Vegetation in Carbon Sequestration
Green vegetation absorbs carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and releases it back into the air through respiration. This natural process acts as a significant carbon sink, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The IISER Bhopal study emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy vegetation to sustain this vital function.
Impact of Extreme Climate Events
The study highlights that during extreme climate events, such as droughts, the rate of carbon sequestration by India’s green cover declines. These events stress plants, reducing their ability to perform photosynthesis effectively and potentially causing them to release stored carbon. This underscores the need for effective climate policies and ecosystem management to protect and restore natural ecosystems, especially in the face of climate change.
India’s Climate Action Initiatives
Some ongoing initiatives include:
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched in 2019, the NCAP aims to reduce particulate matter levels by up to 40% by 2025-26, utilizing real-time data tracking via the ‘PRANA’ portal.
- Circular Economy Framework: A regulatory framework has been established, mandating manufacturers under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime to recycle end-of-life waste, including plastic, tyres, batteries, used oil, and e-waste.
- Mangrove Restoration: Launched on June 5, 2024, the ‘Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes’ restored 22,561 hectares of mangroves across 13 states and Union Territories.
- Urban Greenery Promotion: The Nagar Van Yojana aims to develop 600 Nagar Vans and 400 Nagar Vatikas by 2026-27, promoting urban greenery and biodiversity.
- Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment): Launched globally in October 2022, Mission LiFE promotes sustainable living practices, such as water conservation, waste reduction, and energy efficiency.
- ‘Ek Pe Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign: On World Environment Day 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘#Plant4Mother’ campaign, planting 109 crore saplings by January 2025, with a goal of reaching 140 crore trees by March 2025.
- Protected Area Expansion: India has expanded its protected areas from 745 in 2014 to 1,022, covering 5.43% of the country. The number of community reserves has increased from 43 to 220, with 57 tiger and 33 elephant reserves for better habitat protection.
- Net-Zero Emissions Target: India continues to align with its target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Between 2005 and 2020, India reduced its emissions intensity by 36%.
What does the expert say?
Dr. Dhanyalekshmi K Pillai, Associate Professor, IISER Bhopal told CFC India that, “ Our research demonstrates varying ecosystem responses, biome memory effects, and post-recovery dynamics under climate stress across different vegetation types in the country.
For instance, deciduous forests recover slower from drought impacts than crops and shrublands. In this context, managed urban green spaces are anticipated to aid carbon sequestration and reduce the severity of the urban island effect.”
India’s green cover plays a pivotal role in carbon sequestration, significantly contributing to climate change mitigation. However, the decline in sequestration rates during extreme climate events highlights the need for robust climate action and effective ecosystem management. The government’s initiatives reflect a proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
References:
https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/policy/india-strengthens-climate-action-with-robust-environmental-initiatives-parliament-informedhttps://news.climate.columbia.edu/2018/11/27/carbon-dioxide-removal-climate-change/
https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-11/Mission_LiFE_Brochure.pdf
https://home.iiserb.ac.in/~dhanya/Group_leader.html
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