Deforestation Escalates Heat as Carbon Sinks Dwindle in Pune, Reveals Research

Recent research sheds light on the escalating heat in Pune due to the significant felling of trees, leading to a halt in carbon absorption. The study, conducted by environmental experts, highlights the alarming consequences of diminishing carbon sinks in the city, contributing to the rise of heat islands.

Afforestation efforts have been pivotal in Pune, with natural carbon sequestration amounting to three thousand tons across 77 wards. Each hectare hosts an average of 12 tonnes of carbon sequestered by diverse trees. However, the relentless deforestation threatens to disrupt this balance, exacerbating atmospheric carbon levels and consequently, urban heat.

In a bid to achieve a carbon-neutral status by 2030, the research underscores the imperative of bolstering Pune’s carbon-absorbing tree cover by 25 percent, alongside improvements in the transportation infrastructure.

The study, led by Dr. Annasaheb Kulkarni from Abasaheb Garware College and Dr. Ankur Patwardhan, along with Roshni Medhekar from Savitribai Phule Pune University, delved into the green cover of Pune, examining tree species diversity and their respective carbon absorption capacities.

Dr. Patwardhan emphasized the pivotal role of trees in carbon sequestration, mitigating global temperature rise induced by carbon dioxide emissions from fuel combustion. With forests serving as natural carbon sinks, preserving and enhancing tree cover becomes paramount in combating climate change.

Drawing from municipal tree census data, the research evaluated the carbon sequestration potential of various tree species, identifying areas with notable disparities in sequestration rates.

While administrative initiatives target carbon emission reduction, Dr. Patwardhan advocates for a paradigm shift towards prioritizing the expansion of carbon sinks within the city. As Pune aims to align with India’s ambitious goal of achieving a carbon-free environment by 2070, concerted efforts towards forest conservation and afforestation emerge as crucial strategies in curbing climate change impacts.