India has experienced significant tree cover loss since 2000, leading to concerns about environmental impact and climate change. The Global Forest Watch (GFW) provides valuable insights into these trends, shedding light on the extent, causes, and implications of tree cover loss in the country.
Extent of Tree Cover Loss:
- India has lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover since 2000, marking a six per cent decrease during this period.
- From 2002 to 2023, the country lost 4,14,000 hectares of humid primary forest, constituting 18 per cent of its total tree cover loss in the same period.
Carbon Emissions and Sink:
- Between 2001 and 2022, India’s forests emitted 51 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually while removing 141 million tons annually.
- This results in a net carbon sink of 89.9 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.
Causes of Tree Cover Loss:
- Various factors contribute to tree cover loss, including human activities like logging, as well as natural disturbances such as fire, disease, or storm damage.
- Notably, 95 per cent of tree cover loss in India from 2013 to 2023 occurred within natural forests.
Regional Trends:
- Five states accounted for 60 per cent of all tree cover loss between 2001 and 2023, with Assam, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur experiencing significant losses.
- Odisha had the highest rate of tree cover loss due to fires, followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Assam, and Meghalaya.
Challenges and Considerations:
- While tree cover loss data is crucial for monitoring forest changes, it’s essential to understand that tree cover does not always equate to forests, and vice versa.
- Technical challenges exist in directly measuring forest variables, as definitions often involve a combination of tree cover and land use, which may be difficult to monitor using satellite imagery alone.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the percentage decrease in tree cover in India since 2000?
a) 2.33%
b) 4.1%
c) 6%
d) 18%
Answer: c) 6% - What constitutes the highest proportion of tree cover loss in India between 2002 and 2023?
a) Natural disturbances
b) Human activities
c) Urbanization
d) Agriculture
Answer: a) Natural disturbances - Which state had the highest rate of tree cover loss due to fires from 2001 to 2022?
a) Odisha
b) Assam
c) Arunachal Pradesh
d) Mizoram
Answer: a) Odisha - What caution does the Global Forest Watch give regarding comparing old and new data?
a) Data inconsistency
b) Algorithm adjustments and improved satellite data
c) Change in monitoring techniques
d) Political interference
Answer: b) Algorithm adjustments and improved satellite data