INDIA’S CARBON SEQUESTRATION

GS3 ENVIRONMENT:

Key Points:

• Over the last decade, India’s vegetation has absorbed more carbon than it emits, with an annual absorption of 380-530 million tonnes.
• Carbon sequestration, the process of capturing atmospheric CO2 by plants, is vital for climate mitigation.
• Negative Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE) signifies effective carbon storage.

Challenges:

• Recent studies show a decline in this capacity during extreme weather events like droughts, which are increasing due to climate change.

Vegetation Impact:

• Evergreen forests excel in CO2 capture, whereas deciduous forests in central India can release more carbon than they sequester.
• Croplands, though less efficient per area, contribute significantly due to their vast coverage.

IISER Research:

• Researchers at IISER, Bhopal, have utilized advanced models and plant fluorescence to measure carbon sequestration more accurately.
• Their work with international experts has improved understanding of ecosystem carbon dynamics.

Policy Implications:

• The findings underscore the importance of integrating scientific insights into climate policies to manage and enhance carbon sequestration, particularly in the face of increasing climate extremes.