Carbon Sequestration Potential of Indian Forests

background

While deforestation in the tropics is a common subject of concern, India has retained a net positive afforestation rate from 1951-2000, with greatest gains after 1980. These efforts have afforested 35 MHa.

research goals & methods

The study estimates biomass and carbon stocks using species-based basal area data from the quadrennial Forest Survey of India based on satellite imagery. The study divides forest cover into ecosystem types to estimate productivity and carbon flux. Subtracting reported extraction of forest biomass, the net annual carbon uptake is estimated at 5.64 Mt, 9.90 Mt, and 11.88 Mt for the years 1985, 1990, and 1995 respectively.

conclusions & takeaways

However, these figures are expected to taper off based on projected rates of afforestation and of wood extraction (both timber and non-timber). Future net annual carbon uptake is estimated at 11.02 Mt and 6.79 Mt for the years 2020 and 2045.