India’s Forests Losing Carbon Absorption Power: A Troubling Trend

The state of India’s forests, traditionally considered robust carbon sinks, is becoming increasingly alarming. Recent studies reveal a disturbing trend—photosynthetic efficiency in these forests has plummeted by up to 12% in dense regions over the past two decades. This decline is primarily attributed to climate change-induced stressors such as heat and drought.

Despite an apparent increase in forest area, these findings challenge India’s climate goals significantly. Only 16% of the nation’s forests now possess high ecological integrity, posing a dire threat to both environmental sustainability and the livelihoods of communities that depend on these ecosystems.

The Research Behind the Decline

This groundbreaking study was published in the journal Nature Climate Change in July 2025. It is the first to map the decline in photosynthetic efficiency across Indian forests and to draw a direct link to factors like soil aridity and heat stress. Using satellite data spanning from 2001 to 2024, researchers focused on major forested areas, including the Western and Eastern Ghats, the Northeast, and the Western Himalayas.

According to the study, the most significant declines were observed in dense forests that were once thought to be resilient. Here, photosynthetic efficiency fell by as much as 12%, signaling a troubling trend. The Leaf Area Index, which measures the ‘greenness’ of foliage, increased by 7% since 2001. However, this did not correlate with greater carbon uptake due to water stress and higher temperatures disrupting the photosynthesis process.

Forest Area vs. Forest Quality

Recent data illustrate the dilemma. India lost 18,200 hectares of primeval forest in the past year and over 2.3 million hectares since 2001. These losses exacerbate the reduction in carbon sequestration capacity, highlighting the complexity of the issue. Although official reports celebrate a net increase in forest area, much of this growth stems from plantations and degraded forests rather than ecologically rich primary forests.

Consequently, the true picture isn’t optimistic. A 2024 assessment by the Forest Survey of India reveals that only 16% of India’s forests can be considered ecosystems with high integrity. This stark reality underlines an urgent need for policy shifts towards enhancing ecological resilience instead of merely increasing tree cover.

Implications for Communities and Climate Strategy

The repercussions of this ecological challenge extend beyond environmental health; they touch human lives too. Communities relying on forests have reported increasingly arid streams and dwindling wild produce—a testament to the growing strain on natural resources.

Moreover, India’s ambitions under the Paris Agreement to generate an additional carbon sink amounting to 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030 are at stake. Experts emphasize the necessity for integrated approaches that weave scientific insight, adaptive management, and community stewardship together to steer toward achieving these climate objectives.

The Path Forward: Restoration and Resilience

Recent initiatives like the 2025 National Forest Restoration Mission aim to focus on native species and water conservation. However, the sustainability of these efforts depends deeply on consistent financial backing, transparent monitoring mechanisms, and authentic engagement with local communities. Without addressing the underlying causes—namely climate change, water scarcity, and land degradation—India’s climate targets might remain elusive.

The current scenario necessitates a reimagining of forest management strategies. India must shift emphasis from sheer expansion of tree cover to enhancing forest quality. This includes restoring degraded lands, safeguarding primary forests, and empowering local populations as true custodians of these vital ecosystems.

As the world faces increasingly extreme weather patterns, ensuring the resilience and health of India’s forests becomes paramount. The challenge is to help these forests continue serving as thriving carbon sinks and sources of life for generations yet to arrive. A comprehensive focus on quality rather than quantity is essential.