Context: Carbon Storage in India’s Forests
A study published in Environmental Research: Climate finds that India’s forests may nearly double their carbon storage by 2100 due to rising CO₂ levels and increased rainfall, but raises concerns about ecosystem stress and instability.
Core Reasons
CO₂ fertilisation enhances plant growth; increased rainfall improves soil moisture; together they increase biomass and carbon storage.
What is happening
Carbon stock may rise significantly (~35%–97%), with higher gains in dry regions, while dense forests show limited growth due to saturation.
Core Concern
Increased carbon does not mean healthier forests; risk of stress, disturbances, and possible carbon release.
Conclusion
The rise in carbon storage is climate-driven and uncertain, not a reliable long-term environmental gain.
