Tree Plantation and Carbon Sequestration in India

As climate change worsens, India faces pressing environmental challenges. The country’s economy, heavily reliant on carbon-intensive industries, must adapt to mitigate climate impacts. Expanding tree cover is vital for both environmental sustainability and economic growth. Currently, India’s forest and tree cover stands at 25.17%, falling short of the 33% target set by the National Forest Policy of 1988. This gap poses risks, especially as deforestation and urbanisation escalate.

Importance of Tree Plantations

Tree plantations serve as natural carbon sinks. They absorb and store carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. Enhancing this potential through large-scale afforestation is crucial for India. Increased tree cover not only lowers greenhouse gas emissions but also improves soil health and recharges groundwater. Furthermore, it reduces soil erosion and boosts resilience against extreme weather.

Government Initiatives for Afforestation

India has launched various policies to promote afforestation. The National Agroforestry Policy (2014) encourages participation from private landowners and farmers in tree planting. The Trees Outside Forests in India Program aims to restore degraded ecosystems and provide additional income for rural communities. The Green India Mission, part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, has contributed to forest revival, increasing forest cover by 0.56% between 2017 and 2021.

Role of Corporations in Afforestation

Corporate social responsibility initiatives play a very important role in tree plantation drives. Industries such as automobile manufacturing and energy are investing in afforestation to offset emissions. These companies are also integrating afforestation into their carbon credit strategies. This allows them to claim emission reductions while restoring ecosystems, aligning with global sustainability standards.

Economic and Social Benefits of Tree Plantations

Tree plantations create millions of jobs, especially in rural areas. Agroforestry, which combines trees with agricultural practices, enhances soil fertility and provides additional income from timber and fruits. Research indicates that agroforestry can boost farm incomes by 20-30%. Community-led afforestation is supported by government and non-governmental organisations through financial incentives and training programmes.

Challenges to Large-Scale Tree Plantation

Despite the benefits, several challenges hinder large-scale afforestation. The rising cost of carbon credits poses barrier. In 2023, the average price of carbon credits under the EU Emissions Trading System was €83 per tonne of CO₂. For Indian businesses, investing in tree plantations is a more cost-effective solution than purchasing international carbon credits. Additionally, the lack of a robust carbon trading policy in India limits potential benefits from global carbon markets.

Policy Recommendations for Sustainable Growth

To enhance afforestation efforts, India requires a transparent national carbon credit registry. Establishing a well-defined regulatory framework under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement is essential. Financial incentives for private-sector investments in afforestation can also drive growth. As India aims for net-zero emissions by 2070, tree plantations and carbon sequestration are integral to its sustainability strategy.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of industrial carbon emissions on India’s environment and economy.
2. Explain the significance of agroforestry in enhancing rural livelihoods and environmental sustainability.
3. What are the challenges faced by India in achieving its afforestation targets? Comment on the role of policy.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the importance of corporate social responsibility in addressing climate change in India.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of industrial carbon emissions on India’s environment and economy.

1. Industrial carbon emissions contribute to air pollution, affecting public health and increasing healthcare costs.
2. They lead to climate change, causing extreme weather events that disrupt agriculture and threaten food security.
3. Carbon-intensive industries exacerbate deforestation and habitat loss, harming biodiversity and ecosystems.
4. Economic growth from these industries is often unsustainable, risking long-term viability and international competitiveness.
5. Compliance with global emissions standards is becoming crucial for trade, influencing exports and economic stability.

2. Explain the significance of agroforestry in enhancing rural livelihoods and environmental sustainability.

1. Agroforestry integrates trees with crops, improving soil health and increasing agricultural productivity.
2. It provides additional income sources through timber, fruits, and medicinal plants, enhancing rural economies.
3. This practice promotes biodiversity, supporting various species and ecosystems, leading to greater ecological resilience.
4. Agroforestry systems are more resilient to climate change, reducing vulnerability to droughts and erratic weather.
5. Training and financial support for farmers in agroforestry can encourage community engagement and ownership of sustainable practices.

3. What are the challenges faced by India in achieving its afforestation targets? Comment on the role of policy.

1. India’s current forest cover is only 25.17%, falling short of the 33% target, primarily due to deforestation and urbanization.
2. The rising costs of carbon credits make afforestation less financially attractive compared to purchasing credits internationally.
3. Lack of a robust carbon trading policy limits participation in global carbon markets and investment in afforestation projects.
4. Policy initiatives like the National Agroforestry Policy and Green India Mission need stronger implementation and funding.
5. Community involvement and awareness are crucial for success, requiring supportive policies and education initiatives.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the importance of corporate social responsibility in addressing climate change in India.

1. Companies like Tata and Mahindra are investing in large-scale afforestation as part of their CSR initiatives to offset emissions.
2. CSR projects not only help restore ecosystems but also improve corporate image and compliance with sustainability standards.
3. Corporate investments in renewable energy and sustainable practices contribute to reducing overall industrial carbon footprints.
4. Collaboration between corporations and NGOs enhances the effectiveness of afforestation efforts and community engagement.
5. Examples include the Green India Mission, where corporate partnerships have led to increased forest cover and job creation.