Study Projects India's Forests Could Nearly Double Carbon Storage by 2100
A new modelling study published in Environmental Research: Climate indicates that India's forests could nearly double their carbon storage by 2100 under current greenhouse gas emission trends. The study projects vegetation carbon biomass to rise by 35% under low-emissions, 62% under medium, and 97% under high-emissions scenarios. This increase is primarily driven by rising precipitation and elevated atmospheric CO2, enhancing photosynthesis and water-use efficiency. The largest relative increases are projected in desert and semi-arid zones (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh), rather than established forest heartlands. Researchers caution that these gains may mask deeper stresses and disruptive forces like deforestation, fires, and pest outbreaks.
Key Points
- India's forests have the potential to significantly increase carbon storage by 2100, possibly nearly doubling current levels.
- Projected increases in vegetation carbon biomass vary significantly across emission scenarios, with the highest under a high-emissions pathway.
- The primary drivers for increased carbon storage are higher rainfall and elevated atmospheric CO2, which boost tree growth and efficiency.
- The most substantial relative increases are expected in drier regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, not traditional forest heartlands.
- Researchers warn that these projected gains do not account for negative factors like deforestation, fires, and pest outbreaks, which could undermine stability.
Exam Facts
- Study published in Environmental Research: Climate.
- Vegetation carbon biomass projected to rise by 35% (low-emissions), 62% (medium), and 97% (high-emissions) by 2100.
- Largest relative increases projected in Rajasthan, Gujarat, western Madhya Pradesh.
- Official estimates are compiled by the Forest Survey of India (FSI).
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