Change: The Ongoing Threat to India’s Forests and Biodiversity
India is home to 650 endemic tree species, 8% of the world’s biodiversity, and three biodiversity hotspots, making its forests incredibly rich in unique flora and fauna. These forests play a crucial role in absorbing carbon, preserving nutrients, and providing timber and fuelwood. However, deforestation and climate change are threatening these vital services, which not only impacts India’s climate but also affects ecosystems beyond its borders.
Deforestation, particularly driven by commodity-driven land use, remains one of the leading causes of forest loss in tropical regions. But climate change is increasingly influencing the survival and makeup of India’s tropical forests. Studies show that changing temperature patterns, rainfall shifts, and other environmental changes are altering forest ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to degradation. Between 2001 and 2018, India lost 20,472 square kilometers of forest—over 7% of its total forest cover. This loss doesn’t just threaten the unique species that live there, but also compromises the forests’ ability to store carbon and regulate climate, intensifying India’s climate challenges.
As India works on creating a new National Forest Policy to replace the one from 1988, it is an important moment to address these growing challenges. India’s forests are facing unprecedented threats, and the country must develop adaptable management strategies that respond to the changing environment. Policies need to be informed by the latest research to protect these ecosystems from further damage.
This is a critical time for India to make bold, forward-thinking decisions that preserve its forests for future generations. If the country can successfully navigate these challenges, it can ensure that its forests continue to provide the essential services they offer and protect its rich biodiversity. The future of India’s forests depends on how well they can adapt to the changes they face.
Source: CarbonBrief
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