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.
Bu hikaye The New Indian Express Madurai dergisinin December 29, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The New Indian Express Madurai dergisinin December 29, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Palestinians return to flattened homes
EVEN before the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas was fully in place Sunday, Palestinians in the war-battered Gaza Strip began to return to the remains of the homes they had evacuated during the 15-month war.
AIR to help mitigate man-animal conflicts in MP
Country's public radio broadcaster, the All India Radio (AIR-Akashvani) has a new role to play in Madhya Pradesh - alerting people about movement of wild animals, including elephants, tigers and leopards to prevent human-animal conflicts and related casualties.
Assn wants separate dept for rly projects, writes to CM
MEMBERS of the Kanniyakumari District Railway Users' Association (KKDRUA) on Friday requested Chief Minister MK Stalin to take steps to create a separate department for railway projects in order to speed up the ongoing railway projects for the state, and make efforts to initiate new projects.
Centre approved ₹3L cr projects for AP in six months: Amit Shah
EMPHASISING Prime Minister Narendra Modi's support for the development of Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister for Home Affairs Amit Shah highlighted that the Centre has approved projects totalling over ₹3 lakh crore for the State in the last six months.
Alcaraz sets up last eight date with Djokovic
ALEXANDER Zverev warned on Sunday he can \"do a lot of damage\" at the Australian Open but is wary of \"smart\" quarter-final opponent Tommy Paul.
Fire in Maha Kumbh after cylinder blast guts 40 tents
A major fire broke out on Sunday in the Mahakumbh area of Prayagraj on Sunday, police said, adding that there was no report of any casualty.
121 Farmers End Hunger Strike at Khanauri Border as Dallewala Takes Medical Aid
A group of 121 farmers who were on a hunger strike at the Khanauri border in support of their leader, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, ended their indefinite protest on Sunday after he received medical assistance.
To the Viktor Go the Spoils
World No 5 thrilled to return to winning ways after capturing men's singles crown on Sunday
15 cm rain lashes Tirunelveli; no heavy rain warning for TN today
TIRUNELVELI district received heavy downpour with 15 cm of rainfall lashing Oothu area alone in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Sunday.
IIT-M director praises gomutra, gets a stinker
IIT Madras director V Kamakoti is facing severe flak for endorsing gomutra (cow urine) for its \"medicinal value\" and its alleged ability to cure conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and fever.
