India’s Forests Could Nearly Double Carbon Storage by 2100

Context: A new study published in Environmental Research: Climate has found that India’s forests could nearly double their carbon storage capacity by 2100 under current greenhouse gas emission trends.

About India’s Forests Could Nearly Double Carbon Storage by 2100:

What it is?

• It is a climate modelling study conducted by researchers from Indian institutes to estimate how India’s forest vegetation carbon stock may change by the end of the 21st century.
• The study projects future forest carbon storage under low, medium, and high greenhouse gas emission scenarios and compares them with present vegetation biomass trends.

Key Findings:

• Sharp Rise in Carbon Storage: Vegetation carbon biomass may rise by 35% under low emissions, 62% under medium emissions, and up to 97% under high-emission scenarios by 2100.
• Rainfall + CO₂ as Main Drivers: Increased rainfall and higher atmospheric CO₂ improve photosynthesis, moisture availability, and water-use efficiency, leading to greater forest growth over time.
• Dry Regions Show Highest Relative Gains: Desert and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and western Madhya Pradesh may witness over 60% rise in vegetation carbon, higher than traditional forest zones.
• Biodiversity Hotspots Show Limited Increase: The Western Ghats and Himalayas show comparatively smaller gains due to ecological saturation and region-specific climate pressures.

Implications:

• Higher carbon sequestration strengthens forests as natural carbon sinks, supporting India’s climate mitigation and net-zero commitments.
• Increased biomass does not mean climate change is beneficial, as wildfires, droughts, pests, and deforestation may destabilize forests and release stored carbon.
• The findings differ from Forest Survey of India estimates, highlighting the need for improved long-term forest monitoring and climate-resilient conservation strategies.