environmental policy

INDIA'S EXPANDING GREEN FOOT PRINT : GLOBAL RANKINGS, ACHIEVEMENTS, & THE WAY FORWARD

According to the FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025, India ranks 9th globally in total forest area and maintains the 3rd position in net annual forest area gain, reflecting strong progress in afforestation and forest management. The country is also 5th among top global carbon sinks, with forests absorbing about 150 million tonnes of CO₂ annually (2021–2025).

As per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, India’s forest cover spans 7,15,343 sq km (21.76% of its geographical area). Government initiatives like the Green India Mission, National Afforestation Programme, and Mission LiFE are driving ecological restoration, community participation, and sustainable living.

India’s achievements demonstrate its multidimensional commitment to climate action, biodiversity conservation, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13 & SDG 15), positioning it as a global leader in green growth and environmental stewardship.

CLOUD SEEDING: MEANING , CHALLENGES & WAY FORWARD

Delhi’s air pollution crisis is primarily caused by emissions from vehicles, industries, construction, power plants, waste burning, and seasonal crop stubble fires, worsened by stagnant winter weather. Cloud seeding, which disperses chemicals like silver iodide into existing clouds to induce rainfall, has been proposed as a temporary measure to wash away pollutants. However, its effectiveness is limited, dependent on suitable clouds, and provides only short-term relief. It also raises environmental, ethical, and accountability concerns.

MEAT & DAIRY COMPANIES EMIT MORE METHANE THAN EU & UK

Major meat and dairy companies emit more methane than the entire EU and UK combined, contributing significantly to global greenhouse gases. The top five producers release more emissions than major oil companies like BP and Shell. Methane from livestock, especially cattle, drives climate change and deforestation. Current industry solutions are insufficient, and urgent policy shifts toward emission targets, sustainable farming, and plant-rich diets are needed to meet climate goals.