From scorching heatwaves to the fury of Cyclone Remal and the alarming loss of forest cover, recent headlines across various media outlets in India paint a grim picture of nature’s wrath. These events serve as stark reminders of the reality of climate change and its far-reaching impacts on the country’s ecosystems, economy, and communities.
Recent data underscores a significant nationwide loss of tree cover, demanding immediate attention. Since 2000, India has witnessed a decline of 2.33 million hectares of tree cover, marking a six percent decrease over this period, according to Global Forest Watch. On May 20, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) took up an important case suo motu (“on its own motion”), asking the union government—including the environment ministry—to explain why India has lost a staggering 2.33 million hectares of tree cover between 2000 and 2023.
Notably, five states, including Nagaland, accounted for 60 percent of all tree cover loss between 2001 and 2023. Assam leads with a loss of 324,000 hectares, followed by Mizoram (312,000 hectares), Arunachal Pradesh (262,000 hectares), Nagaland (259,000 hectares), and Manipur (240,000 hectares).
Experts attribute the rise in human-wildlife encounters, such as with elephants in Wokha, Zunheboto, Tseminyu, and various parts of Nagaland, and Slow Lorises in Mokokchung, to habitat loss due to the reduction of forest cover.
Forests play a dual role, acting as carbon sinks when standing or regrowing and as sources of carbon when cleared or degraded. The loss of forests accelerates climate change by releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere.
The impacts of climate change include a rise in atmospheric temperature, changes in landscapes, risks to ecosystems, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and increased natural and manmade disasters such as prolonged droughts and intensified hurricanes and tropical storms. Health issues, such as increased heatwaves, are also a concern. It is estimated that if action is not taken to address carbon emissions, climate change could cost about 5 to 20% of the annual global GDP. Climate change also affects agricultural productivity, food supply, and food security.
From the tea industry in Assam to agriculture in Maharashtra, shifting climatic conditions pose existential threats to industries and livelihoods. The recent southwest monsoon, which brought deficient rainfall to various regions, has exacerbated challenges faced by farmers already grappling with water scarcity.
Germanwatch, an environmental non-profit think tank, reported in 2018 that India was the fifth most affected country by climate change globally. According to the World Risk Index 2020, India is the fourth most at-risk country in South Asia, after Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. In 2018 alone, nearly 7 million Indians were either displaced or migrated due to climate-induced distress.
Given the grim situation in the Northeast today, it is imperative for India to implement targeted policies and investments to support marginalized communities, such as the tribal populations in the eco sensitive Northeast, farmers and the poor across the country. These groups are disproportionately affected by climate change-induced disasters and often lack the resources and support systems to cope with such challenges.
Inclusive policies that empower these communities to adapt to changing environmental realities are crucial. Community engagement and participation must be central to decision-making processes, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs addressed.
India needs to recognize climate change as a significant risk to development. States should take leadership roles in advancing their State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCC), which contribute to the broader National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
A lack of political will – both State and Centre has hindered making climate change a priority. It is essential to understand that the impacts of climate change can jeopardize economic growth and poverty reduction goals.
Therefore, greater efforts are needed to motivate political commitment to addressing climate change. Conserving and enhancing natural carbon-rich ecosystems such as forests and wetlands can boost agricultural productivity and sequester carbon dioxide. Failure to act decisively now risks causing irreparable damage to the environment, economy, and social fabric of the country.
Individuals and communities also have a crucial role to play in addressing climate change. Adopting sustainable practices, reducing carbon footprints, and actively participating in environmental initiatives can contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change and building a more resilient future for India.