New Delhi, May 16: India’s forest biomes are under threat. It’s not urbanisation or economic development that is posing as a major risk to the country’s green. Findings of an Indo-US study have revealed that 70 per cent of the country’s vegetation is likely to be less optimally adapted to climate change towards the end of this century.
Forest biomes in the country are going to be one of the worst affected by the climate change. A joint programme on impact of climate change, undertaken by the department of environment, food and rural affairs, UK and the ministry of environment and forests, has revealed that vegetation in the country is likely to be one of the worst effected by this phenomena.
The study has also predicted an increase of 3-4ºC in temperature by the end of this century. Model simulations used during the study have also indicated an increase in both rainfall and temperature across the country due to the climate change.
International studies have revealed that the average mean temperature of the earth has risen by 0.6ºC since late 1800s. The temperature is expected to increase by another 1.4-5.8ºC by the year 2100. Scientists are of the view that even if the minimum predicted increase takes place, it will be higher than any century long trend in the past 10,000 years. “According to findings, there is an increase in temperature and effect on biodiveristy,” said an MoEF official.
