Is India Leading the Charge in Global Climate Action with Expanding Forests?
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Synopsis
India's growing forest cover and commitment to sustainable forestry highlight its pivotal role in global climate action. With significant budget increases and impactful initiatives like the Green India Mission, the country aims to enhance its forest area, contributing to global environmental goals. Discover how India is stepping up to combat climate change and promote ecological balance.
Key Takeaways
- India ranks ninth globally in total forest area.
- Increased budget allocations for forestry showcase government commitment.
- Green India Mission aims to enhance forest and tree cover.
- India's forests act as a carbon sink, removing 150 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.
- Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam initiative promotes emotional connections to tree planting.
New Delhi, Oct 25 (NationPress) The initiatives aimed at increasing forest cover and fostering sustainable forestry reflect India's dedication to global climate action, as stated by the government on Saturday.
Recently, India marked a notable achievement in global forest metrics by moving to the ninth position globally regarding total forest area, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025.
Previously, in 2020, India held the 10th spot. It continues to hold the third position worldwide for the annual net gain in forest area.
“This demonstrates what a strong national commitment can accomplish. India's ongoing endeavours to enhance forest cover, support sustainable forestry, and execute missions like the Green India Mission illustrate its commitment to environmental conservation and global climate action,” the government remarked in an official statement.
To bolster forest cover, the government has increased allocations in the Budget 2025-26.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) assigned Rs 3,412.82 crore, marking a 9 percent increase from the revised estimate of Rs 3,125.96 crore in 2024-25.
Additional initiatives include the inception of the National Mission for a Green India (GIM), the National Afforestation Programme, and Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
While GIM aims to enhance forest and tree cover, restore ecosystems, and improve biodiversity and carbon sinks, the afforestation programme focuses on regenerating degraded forests and surrounding areas.
The Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam initiative, part of Mission LiFE, is a heartfelt appeal to promote tree planting by associating it with the love for one’s mother or homeland.
These initiatives have led to approximately 72,739 thousand hectares of forest area in India—about 2 percent of the world's total, based on GFRA 2025 data.
Moreover, the country has successfully expanded planted forests, including bamboo and rubber plantations, as highlighted in the statement.
With the growth of forest cover, India now ranks fifth among the top global carbon sinks, with its forests absorbing 150 million tonnes of CO₂ annually from 2021 to 2025, thus furthering global climate objectives.
Asia, including India, experienced an increase in forest carbon removals to 0.9 Gt CO₂ per year between 2021 and 2025, with a substantial decline in deforestation emissions, as reported by the FAO.
Point of View
India’s advancements in forest cover and sustainable forestry reflect a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. The government’s focus on enhancing forest areas through various initiatives showcases the nation’s dedication to combating climate change. As India positions itself as a leader in global climate action, it sets a precedence for other nations to follow, emphasizing the importance of ecological balance.
NationPress
26/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is India's current rank in global forest area?
India has moved up to the ninth position globally in total forest area, as per the FAO's GFRA 2025.
What initiatives is India implementing to enhance forest cover?
India is implementing several initiatives, including the Green India Mission, National Afforestation Programme, and Mission LiFE, to enhance forest cover and promote sustainable forestry.
How much CO₂ do India's forests remove annually?
India's forests are estimated to remove 150 million tonnes of CO₂ per year between 2021 and 2025, making it one of the top global carbon sinks.
What is the Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam initiative?
The Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam initiative is an emotional appeal to encourage tree plantation by associating it with the love for one's mother or motherland.
How much has the budget for forest cover increased?
The budget for forest cover has been increased to Rs 3,412.82 crore for the year 2025-26, which is a 9% rise from the previous year's revised estimate.
