Introduction :Expanding tree cover in India is crucial for mitigating climate change, supporting industrial growth, and enhancing rural livelihoods through afforestation and carbon sequestration efforts.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)
Climate Change Mitigation:
- Tree plantations and carbon sequestration essential for reducing atmospheric CO₂.
- Expanding tree cover crucial for India’s climate strategy amidst industrial growth.
India’s Current Forest Cover:
- Forest and tree cover in India at 25.17%, falling short of the 33% target from the 1988 National Forest Policy.
- Deforestation, urbanisation, and industrial emissions continue to degrade ecosystems.
Afforestation Efforts:
- Tree plantations act as carbon sinks, improving soil health, groundwater recharge, erosion control, and climate resilience.
- Large-scale afforestation needed to enhance carbon sequestration potential.
Government Initiatives:
- National Agroforestry Policy (2014) and Trees Outside Forests Program promote private sector involvement.
- Green India Mission (GIM) has helped increase forest cover by 0.56% from 2017-2021.
Corporate Role:
- Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives contribute to large-scale tree plantations.
- Industries integrate afforestation with carbon offset strategies, earning carbon credits to meet emissions reduction targets.
Global Market Pressure:
- Stricter global regulations, like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, force industries to reduce carbon footprints.
- Indian companies must invest in carbon-offset projects, including tree plantations, to remain competitive.
Economic and Social Benefits:
- Afforestation creates millions of jobs, especially in rural areas through agroforestry and forest conservation.
- Agroforestry increases farm incomes by 20-30% through improved soil fertility and additional income from timber and crops.
Government Support:
- Financial incentives, training, and market linkages provided to support community-led afforestation.
- Empowerment of rural communities through ownership of afforestation projects.
Challenges and Policy Recommendations:
- Rising costs of carbon credits push businesses to prefer afforestation for cost-effectiveness.
- Need for a robust carbon trading policy in India to tap into global carbon markets.
- Recommendations include establishing a national carbon credit registry and providing financial incentives for private-sector investment.
Long-Term Vision:
- Tree plantations and carbon sequestration are critical to India’s net-zero emissions goal by 2070.
- Inaction poses significant risks to environmental sustainability and economic growth.
