Dealing with Climate Change: Concerns and Options

Changes have occurred in the composition of greenhouse gases in the lower atmosphere during the last century primarily from the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation in tropical regions. Climate change is posing great threat to wildlife and protected areas by modifying habitats and increasing the prevalence of threats such as fire, pests and pathogens. Therefore, a climate change assessment is necessary to cope up with the adversities due to climate change. It has been suggested that forest action can cost effectively p rovide around 30% of the total effort needed in all sectors to meet climate mitigation strategies. Plantation programs can be used to create carbon credits to generate significant income for developing countries. The other most familiar ways to reduce GHG emissions are increasing energy efficiency and using alternative energy sources. In Indian context, the undervaluation of forests is causing immense losses to the forestry sector and overall economic system. The implementation of REDD+ and CDM framework could provide an opportunity to create and secure economic funds management, conservation and restoration of forests for mitigating climate change. The concept of Joint Forest Management and social forestry based on principals of community forestry has also gained a widespread significance in managing forests over the entire nation. The possibilities for mitigation in India also lie in the renewable energy sector along with industrial sector with improved energy efficiency. Integrated measures and effort at all international, national and regional are needed to fight against the changing climate.