“Discuss the potential of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. What are the key challenges in its implementation, particularly in developing nations like India?”
Impact of the Green India Mission under NAPCC Introduction Green India Mission which started in 2014 through the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) works to improve ecosystem functions and forest recovery and boost carbon storage. The climate mitigation strategy of India benefits stronglRead more
Impact of the Green India Mission under NAPCC
Introduction
Green India Mission which started in 2014 through the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) works to improve ecosystem functions and forest recovery and boost carbon storage. The climate mitigation strategy of India benefits strongly from GIM because it works to restore 5 million hectares (Mha) of degraded land and improve existing forests.
GIM demonstrates two key environmental benefits of enhancing the carbon storage capacity while simultaneously restoring ecosystems.
1. Carbon Sequestration
Through activities involving tree plantation and afforestation GIM enables the development of carbon sinks.
Development of forest and tree resources recorded a 2,261 sq. km expansion according to the Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR 2021) which attributes this growth to forest expansion projects.
The implementation of afforestation has been sluggish since 2023 because only 1.6 Mha of land was afforested against originally intended targets.
2. Ecosystem Restoration
Through eco-restoration of biodiversity-habitats GIM has dedicated itself to preserve natural ecosystems in disrupted terrain as well as wetlands and grasslands.
Watershed management programs together with better livelihood opportunities for forest-based communities run through initiatives operated in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.
The delay in funding distribution and implementation setbacks have slowed down massive restoration activities.
Effectiveness and Challenges
Forest governance received a positive improvement through the process of increased awareness as well as enhanced community participation.
The program faces funding challenges because authorities only release less than half of their budgeted funds and execution proceeds at a slow pace yet it encounters resistance from mining operations and construction developments.
Conclusion
The limitations of the GIm project for carbon storage and ecological preservation exist because of insufficient funds and bureaucracy in executing its plans. The complete implementation of GIM in climate change battles requires improved budgetary support and effective monitoring systems and assemblies that deploy conservation practices through local communities.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology holds substantial potential in combating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial processes and fossil fuel-based power plants. CCS works by capturing CO₂ before it enters the atmosphere, transporting it, and securely storing itRead more
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology holds substantial potential in combating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial processes and fossil fuel-based power plants. CCS works by capturing CO₂ before it enters the atmosphere, transporting it, and securely storing it underground. It can significantly cut emissions from high-emitting industries such as cement, steel, and oil refining, where direct emissions are otherwise difficult to eliminate. In recent years, CCS projects have expanded globally, with countries like the United States, Norway, and Canada investing heavily in such initiatives to meet their carbon-neutrality targets.
However, implementing CCS in developing nations like India poses challenges. High upfront costs for CCS infrastructure, complex regulations, and limited technical expertise are significant obstacles. Additionally, India faces competing priorities, such as poverty alleviation, economic growth, and energy security. Expanding renewables and energy-efficient technologies are often prioritized over CCS due to their lower costs and quicker returns.
Furthermore, a lack of financial incentives, carbon pricing mechanisms, and clear policies hinders the adoption of CCS in India. To make CCS viable, global partnerships, technology transfer, and financial support from developed nations could be essential. For example, international funding could help India pilot CCS in industrial hubs, gradually reducing emissions while balancing developmental needs.
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