India’s Green Cover and Carbon Sequestration

India’s green cover plays a vital role in carbon sequestration. Recent studies show that the country’s vegetation absorbed more carbon than it emitted over the past decade. However, this capacity declines during extreme climate events like droughts, denoting the importance of vegetation in climate change mitigation.

Carbon Sequestration Explained

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Vegetation absorbs CO2 through photosynthesis. It releases some of this carbon back into the atmosphere through respiration. The net ecosystem exchange (NEE) measures this balance. A negative NEE indicates effective carbon storage, while a positive NEE signifies more carbon release than absorption.

India’s Carbon Absorption Performance

India’s ecosystems have absorbed between 380 to 530 million tonnes of carbon annually. This impressive absorption rate has been consistent over the last decade. However, it is essential to note that this rate is not constant and can fluctuate due to climate extremes.

Impact of Climate Extremes

Droughts and other extreme climate conditions negatively affect carbon sequestration. During these events, the capacity of vegetation to absorb carbon diminishes. This decline raises concerns about the resilience of ecosystems under changing climate patterns.

Vegetation Types and Their Roles

Different types of vegetation contribute uniquely to carbon sequestration. Evergreen forests are highly efficient in capturing CO2. In contrast, deciduous forests in central India tend to release more carbon than they absorb. Croplands, while less effective per unit area, contribute to CO2 removal due to their widespread presence.

Innovative Research Approaches

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal, have adopted advanced methods to assess carbon sequestration. They utilise observations of plant fluorescence and sophisticated computer models. This approach allows for a more precise understanding of vegetation’s carbon absorption potential across India.

Collaborative Efforts for Better About

IISER scientists work with international experts to enhance the understanding of carbon sequestration processes. This collaboration includes long-term analyses and satellite observations. The integration of various expertise helps uncover complex ecosystem dynamics that influence carbon storage and resilience to climate extremes.

Policy Implications

The findings tell the need for effective climate policies. Sustainable ecosystem management must align with national priorities. Addressing the challenges posed by climate extremes is crucial for maintaining India’s carbon sequestration capabilities.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the role of vegetation in carbon sequestration and its impact on climate change mitigation.
2. With suitable examples, discuss how extreme weather events affect ecosystem services globally.
3. Critically discuss the significance of interdisciplinary research in understanding carbon dynamics in ecosystems.
4. Analyse the relationship between land use changes and carbon emissions in urban environments.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the role of vegetation in carbon sequestration and its impact on climate change mitigation.

1. Vegetation absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) through photosynthesis, reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
2. Net ecosystem exchange (NEE) indicates the balance of carbon uptake and release; negative NEE signifies effective carbon storage.
3. India’s green cover has absorbed 380 to 530 million tonnes of carbon annually over the last decade.
4. Vegetation plays a critical role in climate change adaptation by enhancing resilience against climate extremes.
5. Maintaining and restoring vegetation is essential for ongoing climate change mitigation efforts.

2. With suitable examples, discuss how extreme weather events affect ecosystem services globally.

1. Extreme weather events like droughts reduce vegetation’s ability to sequester carbon, impacting air quality.
2. Flooding can lead to soil erosion, reducing land productivity and affecting food supply.
3. Heatwaves stress plant and animal species, disrupting food webs and biodiversity.
4. Hurricanes and storms can destroy habitats, leading to loss of ecosystem services like water purification.
5. Examples include the Australian bushfires, which severely impacted carbon storage and biodiversity.

3. Critically discuss the significance of interdisciplinary research in understanding carbon dynamics in ecosystems.

1. Interdisciplinary research integrates knowledge from ecology, climatology, and technology to enhance understanding.
2. Collaboration with international experts allows for a more comprehensive analysis of carbon dynamics.
3. Advanced methods, like satellite observations and plant fluorescence analysis, provide precise data on carbon sequestration.
4. Such research helps identify the resilience of ecosystems to climate extremes and informs policy decisions.
5. It encourages innovation in ecosystem management practices aimed at optimizing carbon storage.

4. Analyse the relationship between land use changes and carbon emissions in urban environments.

1. Urbanization often leads to deforestation, reducing the capacity for carbon sequestration.
2. Increased land use for agriculture and infrastructure can lead to higher carbon emissions from soil disturbance.
3. Urban areas typically have a higher carbon footprint due to transportation and energy consumption.
4. Green spaces in cities can mitigate some emissions by providing carbon storage through vegetation.
5. Effective urban planning can balance development with the preservation of carbon-absorbing green areas.