India's Forests: Absorbing More Carbon Than Emitted

New Delhi, India – Feb 18, 2025: India's forest cover has stored more carbon than it emitted in a year during the last decade, a recent study has indicated. However, the rate of carbon sequestration declines during extreme climate events such as droughts, and this is the challenge for India to meet its climate goals.

Study Points to Carbon Absorption Patterns
Research by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal, examined India's green cover and its ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. The study found that once again, India's forests and vegetation cover act as a net carbon sink and assist in arresting climate change.

However, the research established that carbon sequestration varies with vegetation and climatic factors. Evergreen forests were proven to be more efficient in capturing CO₂ through photosynthesis than deciduous forests in central India, which release more carbon than they absorb during respiration, particularly under harsh weather conditions.

The study pointed out that climate events such as droughts have a significant impact on the carbon uptake rate, reducing the capacity of forests to act as carbon sinks. This raises questions about India's ability to sustain its carbon sequestration rates under the backdrop of increasing climate variability.

Government Initiatives to Strengthen Climate Action
India has reaffirmed its pledge to combat climate change through various legislative, regulatory, and administrative measures. In a response to the Lok Sabha on February 10, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, outlined key initiatives to reduce environmental degradation and promote sustainability.

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
Initiated in 2019, NCAP aims to reduce particulate matter levels by up to 40% by 2025-26. The programme relies on real-time data monitoring via the 'PRANA' portal to quantify air quality and ensure environmental norms.

Regulatory Framework for Circular Economy
India has released a regulatory framework for a circular economy, forcing manufacturers to recycle end-of-life waste under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiative. It covers used oil, plastic, tyres, batteries, and e-waste, with a vision to make the processes of waste management sustainable for the environment.

Mangrove Restoration and Urban Greenery Projects
For enhancing coastal resilience and biodiversity, India also launched the 'Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes' (MISHTI) on June 5, 2024. Under this scheme, 22,561 hectares of mangroves have already been restored in 13 Union Territories (UTs) and states.

The Nagar Van Yojana also aims to create 600 Nagar Vans (urban forests) and 400 Nagar Vatikas (city parks) up to 2026-27, promoting urban greenery as well as city biodiversity.

Mission LiFE: Sustainable Living Practices
Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), launched globally in October 2022, focuses on eco-friendly practices such as conserving water, minimizing waste, and conserving energy. It calls upon citizens and society to adopt eco-friendly practices to reduce carbon footprints.

The government has launched Eco-Mark Rules, which are pro-eco-friendly products and sustainable consumption habits to promote sustainable development.

Afforestation and Tree Plantation Programs
On World Environment Day 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'Ek Pe Maa Ke Naam' (#Plant4Mother) campaign. The campaign has already registered 109 crore saplings and a target of reaching 140 crore trees by March 2025. The great afforestation drive is going to boost India's green cover and carbon sequestration.

Protected Areas and Wildlife Conservation
India has widened its protected area network from 745 in 2014 to 1,022, encompassing 5.43% of the total geographical area of the country. The number of community reserves has also risen from 43 to 220. India has also created 57 tiger reserves and 33 elephant reserves to provide further protection to habitats and wildlife.

India's Net-Zero Target and Emission Reductions
India remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, as its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) have submitted. Between 2005 and 2020, India decreased its emissions intensity by 36%, indicating progress towards its climate goals.

Through the application of the equity and sustainable development principles as enshrined in the Paris Agreement, India aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection. All this notwithstanding, there are challenges, particularly in maintaining high levels of carbon sequestration despite climate extremes.

As India continues with its climate agenda, sustained action in afforestation, carbon sequestration, pollution control, and sustainable living will be necessary in ensuring long-term climate resilience and sustainability.

Source
The information has been gathered from research reports of IISER Bhopal, government reports, and media reports, including PTI.