India’s wetlands vanishing: A setback in fight against climate change

By Raj Kumar Sinha* 

Every individual in every country on every continent will, in some way, be affected by climate change. A climate catastrophe is looming, and we are not fully prepared for its potential consequences.

Climate change is caused by human activities and, as we know, poses a threat to life on Earth. With rising greenhouse gas emissions, climate change is occurring at a much faster pace than previously predicted. Its impacts can be devastating, including extreme and shifting weather patterns and rising sea levels. If left unchecked, climate change could undo much of the development progress made over the past years.

Any strategy aimed at limiting global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius must include carbon dioxide removal (CDR), which refers to removing CO₂ from the atmosphere and storing it permanently. Alongside rapid and deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, carbon dioxide removal is both important and necessary. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to the greenhouse effect. Burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas), agriculture, deforestation, and industrial processes are all major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions are a primary cause of climate change, resulting in rising temperatures, sea levels, and extreme weather events. Intensifying marine heatwaves are widespread and destructive indicators of human-induced climate change. Over the past two decades, marine heatwaves have impacted nearly all oceans and seas, triggering biological, ecological, and socio-economic changes.

Currently, society lacks the technology to implement CDR at the scale required to meet the Paris Climate Goals. Moreover, we do not fully understand the potential effectiveness, environmental, or human impacts of these methods. CDR pathways are still in their early stages and require further research and development across all approaches.

A new study has found that restoring marshlands in floodplains can reduce carbon emissions by up to 39%. Rehabilitating wetlands could be a powerful weapon against climate change. Wetlands are among our most effective ecosystems in combating the climate crisis. They absorb carbon dioxide, help cool temperatures, and reduce pollution.

However, since 1970, 35% of the world’s wetlands have disappeared. According to Wetlands International, nearly 30% of India’s wetlands have vanished over the past three decades. Despite this loss, India still has the largest area of wetlands in South Asia, with over 1.3 million hectares across 75 wetlands. According to the State Wetland Authority, Madhya Pradesh has completed verification of 13,454 wetlands, with boundary demarcation completed for 12,741 of them. Their protection is a critical necessity. In Jabalpur city, builders have illegally encroached on wetland areas near several ponds and constructed houses.

Similarly, the oceans — besides being a major carbon sink — play a vital role in climate regulation and nutrient cycling. They produce 50% to 85% of the Earth's atmospheric oxygen. However, oceans are facing increasing threats from climate change, pollution, and overexploitation. Rising carbon emissions are leading to ocean acidification, disrupting marine species and food chains. Due to global temperature rise, sea levels are increasing, threatening the lives and livelihoods of coastal communities and flood-prone cities.

Every citizen can take steps to combat climate change — such as planting trees, cleaning up waste, and promoting energy efficiency. Using public transportation, cycling, or walking can reduce carbon emissions. Reducing personal waste through reuse, recycling, and minimizing waste generation can contribute meaningfully. Adopting dietary changes, like reducing meat and dairy consumption, can also help tackle climate change.

It is important to remember that climate change is a complex problem, and addressing it requires collective action from all.

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*Bargi Dam Displaced and Affected Union