India Among World’s Top Ten Forest Carbon Sinks: FAO Report

India has emerged as one of the world’s top ten contributors to global carbon sequestration through its forest cover, according to the latest report from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Between 2021 and 2025, India’s forests and tree cover absorbed an estimated 150 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) annually, underscoring the country’s commitment to climate action and environmental sustainability.

India’s Expanding Forest Carbon Capacity

The FAO report, titled “Forest Emissions and Removals – Global, Regional and Country Trends 1990–2025,” highlights India’s robust afforestation and conservation efforts. With 150 million tonnes of CO₂ sequestered every year, India ranks alongside Belarus and just behind leading carbon sinks such as Russia, China, and the United States. Globally, forests collectively removed around 0.8 billion tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere during the same period, with the top ten nations accounting for nearly 90 per cent of the total.

Global Context and Comparative Rankings

Russia remains the largest forest carbon sink, absorbing approximately 1,150 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, followed by China (840 Mt) and the United States (410 Mt). India’s inclusion in the top ten reflects the impact of sustained afforestation programmes and its dedication to meeting international climate targets. The achievement comes amid growing global recognition of forests as key assets in mitigating climate change through natural carbon capture.

Progress Reflected in Global Forest Assessments

The Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 has also recognised India’s growing green footprint, ranking it ninth globally in total forest area and third in annual net forest gain. This progress highlights the effectiveness of policies promoting reforestation and community-driven conservation, which continue to expand India’s forest cover in both rural and urban landscapes.

Exam Oriented Facts

• India sequesters approximately 150 million tonnes of CO₂ annually through its forests and tree cover.
• FAO’s “Forest Emissions and Removals 1990–2025” report lists India among the world’s top ten forest carbon sinks.
• India ranks ninth globally in forest area and third in annual net forest gain.
• India aims to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2030 under its Paris Agreement commitments.

Policy Initiatives Driving Green Growth

Flagship programmes such as the National Mission for a Green India and various state-led plantation drives have played a vital role in expanding India’s green cover. These initiatives contribute directly to India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets under the Paris Agreement. However, experts emphasise that maintaining forest quality, biodiversity, and resilience remains crucial to sustaining long-term gains. As India strengthens its ecological leadership, its forest-based carbon sink capacity continues to stand as a cornerstone of its national climate strategy.