Why is 'Carbon Sink Enhancement' important in India's climate plan?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Store CO2 in vegetation and soil.
Carbon Sink Enhancement is a critical pillar of India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. India aims to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through increased forest and tree cover by 2030. By restoring degraded lands and expanding greenery, the country utilizes natural processes where plants and soil absorb atmospheric carbon, thereby mitigating global warming and achieving a balance between emissions and removals.
Other Options:
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Encourage deforestation: This is counterproductive as cutting trees releases stored carbon, accelerating the greenhouse effect and habitat loss.
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Burn more fossil fuels: This is the primary driver of climate change; India's plan focuses on transitioning away from coal and oil.
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Promote monocultures: While increasing tree cover, India emphasizes biodiversity over monocultures to ensure ecosystem resilience and better carbon storage capacity.