Q.17 Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.

Model Answer:

Introduction

Forest resources encompass all the natural vegetation, including trees, shrubs, and other plant life, that play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by acting as carbon sinks, regulating the water cycle, and supporting biodiversity. According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, India's forest cover is 21.71% of its geographical area, showing a marginal increase from previous years. However, the quality of forests and biodiversity within them is a growing concern.

Body

Impact of Deforestation on Climate Change:

• Loss of Carbon Sink: Forests absorb CO2, a major greenhouse gas. Deforestation reduces this capacity, leading to higher atmospheric CO2 levels.
• Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Trees store carbon, and when they are cut or burned, this carbon is released back into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming.
• Disruption of Water Cycle: Forests play a key role in the water cycle by facilitating rainfall and maintaining groundwater levels. Deforestation disrupts these processes, leading to altered precipitation patterns and increased frequency of droughts and floods.

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Role of Forest Conservation Programs:

• CAMPA: The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) aims to ensure that forest land diverted for non-forest purposes is compensated by afforestation. This program helps in mitigating climate change by promoting the growth of new forests, which can act as carbon sinks and restore ecological balance.

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Importance of Afforestation and Reforestation:

• Enhancing Carbon Sequestration: Planting new trees and restoring degraded forests increase the capacity to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, thus helping to mitigate climate change.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Afforestation and reforestation initiatives contribute to the conservation of biodiversity by providing habitats for various species, which in turn supports ecosystem stability and resilience.

Conclusion

In summary, the depletion of forest resources has significant adverse effects on climate change, including increased greenhouse gas emissions and disruption of the water cycle. Sustainable forest management practices, such as those promoted by CAMPA and afforestation initiatives, are essential to curb climate change and ensure ecological balance.

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