EVERY NOW and then, biologist Deepak Barua takes a break from his usual assignments at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, and plans a trip to the 500 km away Sirsi forest. Located in the heart of the Western Ghats, the forest near Sirsi town of northern Karnataka is known for its tree species diversity. This is one of the latest forests that Barua has been monitoring, along with other scientists, to investigate the threat that climate change poses to the tropical tree species of India.
Studies suggest that heatwaves and frequent and intense droughts result in increased tree mortality and forest dieback across the world.
There is also evidence that extreme temperatures threaten the survival of sensitive species, resulting in local extinctions, range shifts and altered vegetation composition.
A 2010 study, published in Forest Ecology and Management, documented 88 events of forest mortality, driven by water or heat stress since 1970. A May 2024 study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that about 37 per cent of the Amazon forest in Brazil is unable to recover due to frequent droughts, suggesting the possibility of mass die-offs in near future.
However, not much is known about how tropical forests in India are going to respond to extreme temperatures and frequent and severe droughts.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Trade On Emissions
EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, a tariff on imports, is designed to protect European industries in the guise of climate action.
'The project will facilitate physical and cultural decimation of indigenous people'
The Great Nicobar Project has all the hallmarks of a disaster-seismic, ecological, human. Why did it get the go-ahead?
TASTE IT RED
Popularity of Karnataka's red jackfruit shows how biodiversity can be conserved by ensuring that communities benefit from it
MANY MYTHS OF CHIPKO
Misconceptions about the Chipko movement have overshadowed its true objectives.
The politics and economics of mpox
Africa's mpox epidemic stems from delayed responses, neglect of its health risks and the stark vaccine apartheid
Emerging risks
Even as the world gets set to eliminate substances threatening the ozone layer, climate change and space advancement pose new challenges.
JOINING THE CARBON CLUB
India's carbon market will soon be a reality, but will it fulfil its aim of reducing emissions? A report by PARTH KUMAR and MANAS AGRAWAL
Turn a new leaf
Scientists join hands to predict climate future of India's tropical forests
Festering troubles
The Democratic Republic of Congo struggles to contain mpox amid vaccine delays, conflict and fragile healthcare.
India sees unusual monsoon patterns
THE 2024 southwest monsoon has, between June 1 and September 1, led to excess rainfall in western and southern states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, while others like Nagaland, Manipur and Punjab recorded a deficit.