Forest Services
Projected Impact of Extreme Events on Terrestrial Animal Habitats
A 2024 study reported by the Indian Express projects that by 2085, approximately 36% of terrestrial animal habitats globally will be affected by the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme climatic events. This projection is grounded in climate models aligned with the IPCC AR6 findings, which document a global average temperature rise of 1.16C since pre-industrial times. India, with 21.71% forest cover (Forest Survey of India, 2023), faces significant risks due to a 20% increase in extreme weather events over the last two decades (IMD Report, 2023). The disruption threatens habitat connectivity, species migration corridors, and the survival of over 70% of Indias endangered species that are habitat-specific (MoEFCC Wildlife Census, 2022).
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 3: Environment and Ecology – Climate Change, Biodiversity Conservation, Disaster Management
- GS Paper 1: Geography – Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity
- Essay: Interlinkages between Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss
Constitutional and Legal Framework for Biodiversity Conservation in India
Article 48A of the Constitution mandates the State to protect and improve the environment, providing a constitutional basis for biodiversity conservation. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (amended 2006) defines protected species and habitats (Sections 2 and 29), enabling legal safeguards against habitat degradation. The Environment Protection Act, 1986 (Sections 3 and 5) empowers the central government to enact measures to prevent environmental harm, including climate-induced habitat disruption. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (Sections 18 and 36) regulates conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, integrating local and national efforts. Landmark Supreme Court rulings, such as T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India (1996), have reinforced habitat protection as essential for wildlife conservation.
Economic Implications of Habitat Loss Due to Extreme Events
Climate-induced habitat loss has significant economic ramifications. The IPBES 2019 report estimates global biodiversity-related economic losses at $500 billion annually. In India, ecosystem services contribute approximately 33% of GDP (World Bank, 2021), underscoring the economic value of intact habitats. Habitat degradation threatens the livelihoods of roughly 100 million forest-dependent people (MoEFCC, 2022). Additionally, the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) projects a 15% annual increase in costs related to disaster management and rehabilitation due to extreme climatic events, further straining public resources.
Institutional Roles in Addressing Habitat Disruption
- MoEFCC: Formulates and implements policies on biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation.
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII): Conducts research and monitoring of wildlife habitats and assesses climate impact.
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): Provides scientific assessments on climate change and extreme events.
- National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM): Coordinates disaster risk reduction strategies related to extreme events.
- National Biodiversity Management Committee (NBMC): Implements local biodiversity action plans integrating climate resilience.
- Central Zoo Authority (CZA): Oversees ex-situ conservation as a buffer against habitat loss.
Comparative Analysis: India vs Costa Rica on Biodiversity and Climate Resilience
| Aspect | India | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Cover | 21.71% of geographical area (FSI 2023) | ~52% forest cover (CBD Report, 2023) |
| Policy Integration | Fragmented approach; limited integration of climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation | Integrated climate resilience in National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2015-2025) |
| Protected Habitat Growth | Stagnant or marginal increase | 25% increase in protected habitats over last decade |
| Species Population Trends | Declining for many habitat-specific species | 15% rise in species population over last decade |
Critical Gaps in Indian Policy Framework
Current Indian policies inadequately integrate climate adaptation with biodiversity conservation, resulting in fragmented strategies. This gap undermines efforts to maintain habitat connectivity and migration corridors essential under extreme event scenarios. The absence of coordinated frameworks limits the efficacy of conservation actions and disaster risk reduction. Additionally, insufficient funding and limited community participation impede adaptive management of habitats vulnerable to climate extremes.
Way Forward: Policy and Institutional Recommendations
- Develop integrated climate-biodiversity action plans that explicitly address habitat connectivity and species migration under extreme event projections.
- Enhance funding allocations beyond the current ₹3,000 crore (MoEFCC 2023-24) to support adaptive conservation and disaster preparedness.
- Strengthen institutional coordination among MoEFCC, WII, NIDM, and NBMC for unified implementation of conservation and disaster risk reduction.
- Incorporate community-based conservation models to safeguard livelihoods of forest-dependent populations vulnerable to habitat loss.
- Adopt best practices from countries like Costa Rica by mainstreaming climate resilience into biodiversity strategies.
- Section 2 defines protected species and habitats under the Act.
- Section 29 prohibits hunting of specified species and protects their habitats.
- The Act explicitly mandates climate change adaptation measures for wildlife conservation.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- Extreme events are projected to impact over one-third of terrestrial animal habitats by 2085.
- Deforestation and climate-induced habitat disruption are legally treated the same under Indian environmental laws.
- Over 70% of Indias endangered species depend on specific habitats vulnerable to extreme events.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Jharkhand & JPSC Relevance
- JPSC Paper: Paper 2 (Environment and Ecology)
- Jharkhand Angle: Jharkhand’s rich forest cover (~29.6% as per FSI 2023) and biodiversity hotspots are vulnerable to extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, impacting tribal livelihoods.
- Mains Pointer: Frame answers highlighting the state’s dependence on forest ecosystems, the risk of habitat fragmentation due to climate extremes, and the need for integrating climate adaptation in state biodiversity action plans.
What is the significance of Article 48A in biodiversity conservation?
Article 48A of the Indian Constitution directs the State to protect and improve the environment, including forests and wildlife, forming the constitutional basis for biodiversity conservation policies and laws like the Wildlife Protection Act and Environment Protection Act.
How do extreme climatic events affect terrestrial animal habitats?
Extreme climatic events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves disrupt habitats by altering vegetation, water availability, and migration corridors, threatening species survival and ecosystem stability.
What are the key legal provisions under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 for habitat protection?
Sections 2 and 29 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 define protected species and habitats and prohibit hunting and habitat destruction of specified wildlife, providing a legal framework for habitat conservation.
How does biodiversity loss impact India’s economy?
Biodiversity loss threatens ecosystem services that contribute about 33% of India’s GDP, endangers livelihoods of 100 million forest-dependent people, and increases disaster management costs by 15% annually (NIDM 2023).
What lessons can India learn from Costa Rica regarding biodiversity and climate resilience?
Costa Rica’s integrated approach through its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2015-2025) has increased protected habitats by 25% and species populations by 15%, demonstrating effective climate resilience mainstreaming in biodiversity conservation.