India's Forest Carbon Stock Expected to Rise Amid Climate Change, Study Finds
Carbon in India’s forests projected to grow as warming, rain increase: Study
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
A recent study indicates that carbon stored in India's forests is expected to increase due to rising temperatures and rainfall, particularly in desert and semi-arid regions. However, the study warns that climate change poses significant risks to forest ecosystems, necessitating region-specific adaptation strategies.
- 01Projected carbon stock in India's forests could rise by 35% to 97% by 2100 depending on emissions.
- 02Rainfall is identified as a more critical factor than temperature in influencing forest carbon changes.
- 03Desert and semi-arid regions are expected to see the largest gains in carbon biomass.
- 04Climate change poses risks such as pest outbreaks and shifting vegetation belts, impacting forest health.
- 05The study emphasizes the need for tailored climate adaptation strategies for different regions.
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A study led by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and other institutions reveals that carbon stored in India's forests is projected to increase as climate change leads to higher temperatures and rainfall. The largest gains in carbon biomass are expected in desert and semi-arid zones, with increases of 35%, 62%, and 97% by 2100 under low, medium, and high emissions scenarios, respectively. However, the study cautions that this increase does not equate to improved forest health, as rising temperatures may lead to more frequent pest outbreaks and diseases, threatening forest ecosystems. Rainfall is highlighted as the most significant factor influencing carbon changes, outweighing temperature effects. The findings underscore the necessity for region-specific climate adaptation strategies, as different areas will respond uniquely to climatic shifts. The study calls for further research into the long-term impacts of these changes and the development of mitigation strategies for vulnerable regions.
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The findings suggest that forest management and carbon sequestration strategies in India must adapt to regional climatic variations to enhance forest resilience.
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