In a pioneering move to combat climate change, India has commenced its first ‘teal carbon’ study, focussing on non-tidal freshwater wetlands. This groundbreaking research aims to understand how these wetlands can store carbon and help the nation develop robust climate adaptation and resilience strategies.
Teal carbon refers to carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands, including carbon found in vegetation, microbial biomass, and organic matter. These wetlands act as natural carbon sinks, playing a crucial role in regulating greenhouse gases. However, they remain highly susceptible to degradation caused by pollution, land-use changes, and water extraction.
Wetlands provide essential ecosystem services such as water purification, flood control, and habitat for wildlife. They also have significant potential to sequester carbon, making them vital in the fight against climate change. Their conservation is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and enhancing climate resilience.
This first-of-its-kind study seeks to quantify the carbon storage potential of freshwater wetlands across India. It will assess the current state of these ecosystems and examine the factors leading to their degradation, ultimately proposing strategies for their preservation and restoration.
Study Objectives:
Estimate the carbon storage capacity of non-tidal freshwater wetlands in India.
Identify critical threats to wetland ecosystems and their carbon sequestration potential.
Provide recommendations for wetland conservation and restoration.
Raise public awareness about wetlands' role in climate change mitigation.
Despite their immense value, wetlands face growing threats from urbanisation, agricultural expansion, and pollution. To address these, a multi-pronged approach involving scientific research, policy interventions, and community engagement is required. Integrating wetland conservation into broader climate strategies could provide a crucial opportunity to enhance their protection.
By recognising the role of wetlands as carbon sinks and crucial providers of ecosystem services, policymakers can support conservation efforts and promote sustainable practices through community-led initiatives.
India’s teal carbon study marks a significant advance in understanding the role of non-tidal freshwater wetlands in addressing climate change. By identifying the carbon sequestration potential of these wetlands and the challenges they face, the study lays the groundwork for comprehensive conservation strategies, helping build resilience in the face of a changing climate.
