Why is 'Carbon Sink Enhancement' important in India’s climate plan?
AEncourage deforestation
BStore CO₂ in vegetation and soil
CBurn more fossil fuels
DPromote monocultures
Answer:
B. Store CO₂ in vegetation and soil
Read Explanation:
Role of Carbon Sinks in India's Climate Strategy
- Net-Zero Target: India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Enhancing carbon sinks is a critical pillar of this goal, as it balances the residual emissions that cannot be eliminated through energy transition alone.
- Paris Agreement NDCs: Under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), India has pledged to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
- Mitigation Mechanism: Carbon sinks act as natural reservoirs that absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than they release. They are the primary biological means to sequester atmospheric CO2, thereby mitigating the impacts of climate change.
- Afforestation Initiatives: Major schemes like Green India Mission, CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority), and the National Afforestation Programme are central to expanding India's forest and tree cover, which directly enhances the country's carbon sequestration capacity.
- Ecosystem Services: Beyond carbon sequestration, enhanced forest cover provides co-benefits such as soil conservation, water resource protection, biodiversity conservation, and support for rural livelihoods, making it a sustainable climate adaptation strategy.
- Blue Carbon: Recognizing the potential of coastal ecosystems, India is increasingly focusing on 'Blue Carbon' sinks, specifically mangroves and seagrasses, which are highly efficient at sequestering carbon compared to terrestrial forests.