Tropical Forests and Climate Change
Tropical forests remain central to the planet’s climate system in 2025. Despite their vital role, these ecosystems face unprecedented destruction. Their loss threatens global climate stability, biodiversity, and human livelihoods. Studying tropical forests’ climate functions, causes of deforestation, and restoration efforts is essential for sustainable future policies.
The Climate Machinery of Tropical Forests
Tropical forests cover the equatorial belt, including the Amazon, Congo, and Southeast Asian rainforests. They regulate water and energy cycles through evapotranspiration, releasing moisture that forms clouds and rainfall. This process cools the atmosphere locally and globally. Forests store about 250 billion tonnes of carbon in biomass and soil. Annually, they absorb 1.2 to 1.8 gigatonnes of CO2, mitigating fossil fuel emissions.
Deforestation and Its Domino Effects
In 2023, over 4.1 million hectares of tropical primary forest were lost, mainly in Brazil, Indonesia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bolivia. Clearing forests releases stored carbon, turning them into carbon sources. Deforestation reduces humidity and rainfall, raises surface temperatures, and disrupts wind patterns. It also affects atmospheric rivers, which transport moisture across continents. For example, Amazon deforestation links to droughts and erratic monsoons in South America and the US Midwest.
Drivers of Tropical Forest Loss
Deforestation results from economic activities such as cattle ranching, palm oil plantations, logging, mining, and infrastructure development. Policy failures like poor land governance, unclear forest tenure, and weak enforcement worsen the problem. Population growth, poverty, and global commodity demand add pressure. Slash-and-burn agriculture dominates in the Congo Basin. Southeast Asia sees vast palm oil expansion. In India, road construction, hydropower, and mining threaten tropical forests.
India’s Tropical Forests and Monsoon Systems
India’s tropical moist deciduous and evergreen forests in the Western Ghats, Northeast, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands play a critical role in the monsoon. The Western Ghats act as a water tower, stabilising rainfall and generating rivers. Northeastern forests regulate local climate and support biodiversity. Deforestation from shifting cultivation, urbanisation, and unregulated development threatens carbon storage and monsoon variability. This affects agriculture, water security, and rural livelihoods.
Restoration and Carbon Finance Initiatives
Halting deforestation and restoring forests could provide over 30% of climate mitigation needed for Paris Agreement goals. India’s Green India Mission and state-level afforestation projects promote forest regeneration. Community-led efforts like Joint Forest Management and Van Dhan Yojana empower local custodians. Carbon markets and payment for ecosystem services incentivise forest conservation. REDD+ and voluntary carbon offsets offer financial benefits to governments and communities protecting forests.
Technology and Indigenous Knowledge in Forest Conservation
Advanced tools such as satellite monitoring, drones, and AI-enabled systems improve forest health tracking. These technologies detect illegal activities and quantify carbon sequestration. However, indigenous knowledge remains crucial. Forest-dwelling communities have deep understanding of ecosystems and conservation. Recognising their rights under laws like India’s Forest Rights Act strengthens forest governance and reduces deforestation.
Global Climate Diplomacy and Forests
Tropical forests must be central to climate diplomacy. India can lead a Tropical Forest Alliance focusing on equitable carbon finance, technology transfer, biodiversity credits, and sustainable supply chains. This alliance should ensure indigenous peoples and local communities are partners in climate action, not just beneficiaries. Elevating forests in global negotiations supports climate justice and sustainable development.
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