Abstract:

Forests are crucial resources for human welfare and development since ancient time. Forests globally are known to be critically important habitats in terms of the biological diversity they contain and in terms of the ecological functions they serve. Forests play a fundamental role in climate change. Forestry activities offer an important potential for reducing GHG emissions and increasing carbon sequestration. The geological past of India indicates that hundreds of forest species have disappeared over the years as they failed to adapt to changing circumstances because of geological events like massive volcanic eruptions, continental drift, or asteroid impacts. Climate change has a major impact on forest biodiversity through changing biome types and shifting forest boundaries. We can observe these changes through three variables: increases in average temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, and an augment in the intensity and frequency of extreme events. To meet the challenges of global climate change, greenhouse-gas emissions must be reduced. A key challenge in addressing the threat to biodiversity for emerging economies is to balance conservation with the use of their natural resources for growth; and to find ways to protect vital natural resources, without causing suffering to vulnerable and poor citizens who depend on them for their daily subsistence needs.

Key words: Biological Diversity; Carbon Sequestration; Climate Change; Conservation; Extreme Events; Natural Resources.