India’s Forest Carbon May Nearly Double by 2100, But Climate Stress Could Weaken Ecosystems
A new scientific study has projected that India’s forests could significantly increase their carbon storage capacity by the end of the century, with estimates suggesting a rise of up to 97% by 2100. This growth is largely attributed to rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, which can enhance plant growth and improve carbon sequestration.
However, researchers caution that this apparent gain comes with serious ecological risks. Key ecosystems, particularly in biodiversity-rich regions such as the Western Ghats and the Himalayan belt, may face increasing stress due to rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and prolonged drought conditions. These climate-induced pressures could reduce forest resilience, alter species composition, and weaken ecosystem stability.
The study highlights that while higher carbon storage may appear beneficial in the context of climate change mitigation, it does not necessarily translate into healthier forests. In fact, environmental stressors could offset these gains by increasing tree mortality, reducing biodiversity, and making forests more vulnerable to pests, fires, and diseases.
Experts emphasize the need for adaptive forest management strategies that focus not only on carbon sequestration but also on maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. Strengthening conservation policies, restoring degraded forests, and minimizing human interference will be crucial to ensuring that India’s forests remain both productive and resilient in the face of climate change.
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