Subject: Indian Geography

India's forest resources and their interconnection with climate change present a critical dimension of environmental sustainability, with the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 showing an increase of 1,445.81 sq km in total forest and tree cover.

Current Status of Forest Resources

• The forest cover shows a mixed trend across states with Chhattisgarh recording the highest increase (684 sq km) while Madhya Pradesh witnessed the largest decrease (612.41 sq km).

• Implementation of various conservation initiatives like:

  • National Agroforestry Policy for promoting tree plantation on farmlands.
  • Green India Mission focusing on ecosystem restoration.
  • Van Dhan Yojana for tribal forest-dwellers' livelihood enhancement.
  • Forest Fire Prevention & Management Scheme for protecting forest resources.

Impact on Climate Change

Positive Impacts

• Forests act as carbon sinks, helping achieve India's updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) target of:

  • 45% reduction in emissions intensity from 2005 levels by 2030.
  • 50% cumulative electric power from non-fossil fuel sources.

• Enhanced forest cover supports:

  • Biodiversity conservation.
  • Soil and water conservation.
  • Local climate regulation.

Negative Impacts

• Deforestation and Degradation:

  • Loss of 134,000 hectares of natural forest in 2023.
  • Release of 81.9 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
  • Average annual emission of 52.3 million tonnes CO2 equivalent (2001-2023).

• Rising Emissions:

  • 4.6% increase in India's emissions in 2024.
  • Contributing 8% to global emissions.

India's forest resources play a pivotal role in achieving its climate commitments, exemplified by initiatives like REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) and the implementation of Joint Forest Management (JFM) programs, making forest conservation crucial for environmental sustainability and climate resilience.