Combating Climate Change Through Afforestation

A global ripple effect is being seen as a result of climate change which is one of the dire issues our world is facing.

There’s no denying the repercussions of climate alteration, which run from the disruption of plant and animal life to the rise in ocean levels and the recurrence of harsh weather.Contrarily, there is hope found in the woodlands. These vital ecosystems act as the earth’s lungs by expelling carbon dioxide(CO₂), a major greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere. But besides their potential to moderate climate change, forests offer numerous other benefits. India is a prime example of this, given its substantial forest cover. These woods are the main source of life for the ecosystem and the economy. However, it is pivotal to highlight that adverse climate change is also causing harm to forests.

Climate change impacts on forests

Rising temperatures caused by climate change have altogether decreased the world’s forested regions. As the mercury climbs, trees are battling to survive which makes them more exposed to infestations and diseases. Erratic and extreme weather patterns which include frequent droughts and floods, are an obliterating effect on woodlands. Climate change is clearly visible in India. The Himalayan forests, for instance, are encountering receding snowlines and melting glaciers. This is leading to diminished access to water for communities downstream. Be that as it may, it has driven a rise in the cases of dry spells in Central India which is eventually expanding the chances of bushfires.

Forests’ part in moderating climate change

Forests play a colossal part in battling climate change because they absorb carbon dioxide from the environment. Trees take CO2 amid the process of photosynthesis and store it as biomass. By chopping down trees, the carbon stored is released back into the surroundings which increases the climate crisis. By 2030, the Indian government guarantees to have five million hectares of forest cover. By 2050, this would contribute to the sequestration of an additional 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.

Sustainable forest management

Sustainable forest management is critical to ensuring that forests continue to benefit future generations. Effective woodland management includes specific logging, rebuilding, and fire management. Afforestation is the planting of modern trees to supplant cut trees. Fire control involves managing fires to reduce their intensity. There are, however, numerous issues to be fathomed. One of these challenges is illicit logging, which poses a major risk to Indian woodlands. Another challenge is that we must strike a balance between the needs of neighbourhood communities with the need to secure woodland.