Forests are a natural resource crucial to feeding and regulating rainfall cycles. They also provide essential biodiversity—being home to millions of species of plants and animals—for the coupled existence of humankind and nature. As the bells toll louder on climate change, forests are the first line of defense. They act as a carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their wood and soil.
On the other hand, deforestation and degradation of forests releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, driving up temperatures and triggering climate catastrophe. Between 2001 and 2020, global forests lost 10% of their area coverage, releasing 165 gigatons of carbon dioxide.
It was music to the ears when the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, released by the Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, announced India's forest and tree cover had increased to just over a quarter—or 25.17%—of the country's geographical area. The minister said there had been an increase of 1,445 square kilometers of forest and tree cover over the last count in 2021.
This story is from the December 29, 2024 edition of The New Indian Express Tadepalligudem.
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 December 29, 2024 edition of The New Indian Express Tadepalligudem.
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
WONDERLANDS
These five destinations are redefining winter in India, offering snow-dusted views and frosty charm that were once considered exclusive to Himalayan regions...
Bumrah overload biggest concern
India's strategy to have more all-rounders in the playing XI for batting depth seems to have increased workload of frontline pacers
Indian boxing in the shadows, former pros seek system overhaul for revival
No sport had seen such a slump like boxing this year.
Djokovic-Kyrgios lose, wildcard stuns Navarro
AUSTRALIAN wildcard Kimberly Birrell stunned second seed Emma Navarro on Wednesday while the doubles act of Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios came to a shuddering halt at the Brisbane International.
New Year celebrations in Sydney surreal experience
Sydney Opera House and Harbour are fabled land on festivity days. On December 31 it turns into a dreamland.
Vaishali bags bronze in World Blitz Championship
INDIA'S R Vaishali clinched a bronze in the women's section of the World Blitz Championship, capping another strong performance by the country's chess players after stalwart Koneru Humpy's title-winning show in the rapid event here.
GST collection growth slows down in December to 7.3%
The growth in monthly GST collection slowed down further in December, with gross revenue during the month registering a growth of 7.3% to Rs 1.77 lakh crore.
Ola Electric's Market Share Falls, Bajaj on Top
OLA ELECTRIC'S market share in the electric two-wheeler space declined below the 20% mark in December 2023 and it has conceded its leadership position to Bajaj Auto.
OMCs Slash Price of ATF, Commercial LPG Cylinder
STATE-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) have reduced the price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) by 1.5% and also lowered the cost of commercial LPG used in hotels and restaurants by ₹14.5 per 19-kg cylinder.
Market Kicks Off 2025 With Decent Gains
DOMESTIC equity markets kicked off calendar year 2024 on a positive note as the benchmark indices - BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty - ended higher on Wednesday (January 1).
