Why in the news
Commentary argued that expanding tree cover is central to India’s climate and economic strategy, because it stores carbon, restores land and supports rural livelihoods.
Key facts
- Cover: 25.17% of area under forest and trees versus a 33% target.
- Plantation benefits: natural carbon sinks, better soil, groundwater recharge and protection from floods, drought and erosion.
- Net-zero year: 2070.
Types of carbon sequestration
| Feature | Biological | Geologic (CCS) |
|---|
| Nature | Natural, can be enhanced by carbon farming, reforestation and better land use | Technology-based capture of CO₂ from power plants and industry |
| Storage | Plants, soil and oceans | Compressed CO₂ injected underground or beneath the sea bed |
| Goal | Raise stored carbon | Stop CO₂ reaching the atmosphere |
Government initiatives
- National Agroforestry Policy (2014): tree planting on private land to ease pressure on forests.
- Green India Mission (GIM): 0.56% rise in forest cover, 2017-2021.
- Trees Outside Forests in India (TOFI): farmer and community afforestation.
Corporate role
- Automobile, cement and energy firms plant trees under CSR and offset plans.
- EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, from 2026, will tax carbon-heavy imports.
- Firms earn credits via Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
Co-benefits
- Millions of rural jobs.
- Agroforestry lifts farm incomes by 20-30% (ICAR).
- Timber, fruit, medicinal plants and drought resilience.
- Community capacity building, incentives and market access.
Gaps and recommendations
| Challenge | Recommendation |
|---|
| Global carbon credits cost €83/t in EU ETS | Promote domestic afforestation as a cheaper option |
| No national carbon trading policy | Set up a carbon credit registry and framework under Article 6 |
| Limited private participation | Provide financial incentives and simpler approvals |
Exam angle
- Target for forest cover: 33% under National Forest Policy (1988).
- Programmes: GIM, TOFI, National Agroforestry Policy (2014).
- Standards named: VCS and CDM.