Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Briefly introduce the significance of forest resources in India.
- State the current status of forest cover and the implications for climate change.
Fact to Use:
- India’s forest cover is approximately 24.56% of its total geographical area, with a loss of about 9.38 million hectares from 1991 to 2019 (Source: India State of Forest Report 2019).
2. Status of Forest Resources
- Discuss various aspects of forest resources in India.
A. Mangrove Cover
- Explain the importance of mangroves in biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
- Provide data on mangrove coverage.
Fact to Use:
- Mangroves cover around 4,975 square kilometers in India, with the Sundarbans delta being the largest mangrove forest in the world (Source: Forest Survey of India).
B. Bamboo Cover
- Highlight the significance of bamboo as a renewable resource.
- Mention the area of bamboo cultivation.
Fact to Use:
- India has the largest area under bamboo cultivation globally, covering approximately 2 million hectares (Source: National Bamboo Mission).
C. Increase in Forest and Tree Cover
- Discuss recent increases in forest cover due to government initiatives.
- Provide statistics on the increase in forest and tree cover.
Fact to Use:
- The total forest and tree cover increased by 13,000 square kilometers from 2017 to 2019 (Source: India State of Forest Report 2019).
D. Total Carbon Stock
- Mention the carbon stock in Indian forests and its relevance to climate change.
Fact to Use:
- Indian forests store around 7,124 million tonnes of carbon (Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change).
3. Impact on Climate Change
- Examine how forests influence climate change mitigation.
- Discuss the role of forests as carbon sinks and their effect on local weather patterns.
Fact to Use:
- Deforestation and forest degradation release significant carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.
4. Vulnerability to Climate Change
- Discuss India’s vulnerability to climate change effects due to its environmental and socio-economic conditions.
Fact to Use:
- India faces extreme weather events like droughts and floods that threaten food security and public health (Source: IPCC Reports).
5. Conclusion
- Summarize the crucial role of forest resources in climate change mitigation.
- Emphasize the need for conservation and sustainable management of forest resources for future resilience.
By following this roadmap, you can create a comprehensive answer that effectively examines the status of forest resources in India and their implications for climate change.
Model Answer
Introduction
India’s forest cover is approximately 24.56% of its total geographical area, according to the India State of Forest Report 2019. However, the country has lost about 9.38 million hectares of forest cover between 1991 and 2019, raising concerns about environmental sustainability and climate change.
Status of Forest Resources
Mangrove Cover
Mangroves are crucial ecosystems that provide coastal protection, support biodiversity, and sequester carbon. India has around 4,975 square kilometers of mangrove cover, with the Sundarbans delta being the largest mangrove forest globally.
Bamboo Cover
Bamboo is a fast-growing renewable resource that plays a vital role in the economy and environment. India holds the largest area under bamboo cultivation in the world, covering approximately 2 million hectares.
Increase in Forest and Tree Cover
The total forest and tree cover in India increased by 13,000 square kilometers from 2017 to 2019, thanks to government initiatives like the Green India Mission and the National Agroforestry Policy.
Total Carbon Stock
Indian forests store around 7,124 million tonnes of carbon. Deforestation and degradation release significant amounts of carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming. Therefore, preserving and increasing forest cover is essential for climate change mitigation.
Impact on Climate Change
Forests serve as vital carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They also regulate local weather patterns, prevent soil erosion, and combat desertification. The degradation of forests exacerbates climate change by releasing stored carbon and reducing the land’s capacity to sequester more.
Vulnerability to Climate Change
India is particularly vulnerable to climate change due to its extensive coastline, dense population, and reliance on agriculture. The country faces extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, which threaten food security and public health.
Conclusion
India’s forest resources are critical for mitigating climate change and providing ecological, economic, and social benefits. Protecting and enhancing these resources is vital for sustainable development and resilience against climate-related challenges.
Status of Forest Resources in India and Its Impact on Climate Change
Introduction: Forests play a crucial role in regulating climate, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining livelihoods. India, with its diverse forest types and significant forest cover, faces challenges that impact both its forest resources and climate change.
Status of Forest Resources:
Impact on Climate Change:
Conclusion: The status of forest resources in India is characterized by both significant coverage and substantial challenges related to deforestation and degradation. The resultant impact on climate change is profound, affecting carbon sequestration, climate regulation, and ecosystem services. Addressing these issues through effective forest management and conservation strategies is essential for mitigating climate change and sustaining India’s ecological balance.