Recent research conducted by environmental experts sheds light on the concerning escalation of heat in Pune, attributed to extensive deforestation and dwindling carbon sinks. The study underscores the urgent need to address the depletion of tree cover, which poses significant challenges to the city’s climate resilience and sustainability efforts.
Afforestation initiatives have played a vital role in Pune’s environmental conservation endeavors, with natural carbon sequestration acting as a crucial mechanism for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. However, the relentless pace of deforestation threatens to disrupt this delicate balance, exacerbating urban heat island effects and amplifying the impact of climate change on local communities.
Led by Dr. Annasaheb Kulkarni from Abasaheb Garware College, Dr. Ankur Patwardhan, and Roshni Medhekar from Savitribai Phule Pune University, the research delves into Pune’s green cover dynamics, emphasizing the critical role of trees in carbon sequestration.
Dr. Patwardhan highlights the significance of trees as natural carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide emissions and regulating local temperatures. With Pune striving for carbon neutrality by 2030, concerted efforts are needed to bolster the city’s tree cover by 25 percent and enhance urban green spaces to counteract the adverse effects of deforestation.
Drawing insights from municipal tree census data, the research assesses the carbon sequestration potential of different tree species, identifying areas with notable disparities in sequestration rates.
As Pune aligns with national and global climate targets, Dr. Patwardhan advocates for a holistic approach to environmental stewardship, emphasizing the importance of preserving and expanding urban forests as a key strategy in mitigating climate change impacts and fostering sustainable urban development.
