The Role of Carbon Sequestration in Mitigating Climate Change: A Focus on India

Climate change poses significant threats globally, with India being one of the most vulnerable countries due to its vast population, diverse ecosystems, and economic structure. Carbon sequestration, the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂), emerges as a critical strategy in mitigating climate change. This paper explores into the role of carbon sequestration in reducing India’s greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience India’s unique physical and biological variety provides several carbon sequestration potential, including afforestation, reforestation, soil management, and marine environments. Forests in India, encompassing around 24% of its geographical area, play a crucial role in sequestering CO₂, with efforts like the Green India Mission and National Afforestation Programme. Agricultural methods, notably soil carbon management and agroforestry, provide important contributions to carbon storage. Furthermore, India’s coastal and marine habitats, such as mangroves and seagrasses, act as important carbon sinks. However, hurdles to carbon sequestration implementation include land-use competition, socioeconomic constraints, and the requirement for robust monitoring and verification systems. Technological improvements and legislative frameworks are critical for optimizing sequestration processes and ensuring their inclusion in India’s climate response plans. This chapter highlights the necessity of aligning national policy with international climate targets, encouraging community engagement, and capitalizing on technical advances to boost carbon sequestration initiatives. Concentrating on these initiatives, India can significantly contribute to global climate mitigation, assuring sustainable development and protecting the environment for the future.