Shriya Thukral, Rahul Thambi1, Roshi Bhati, Abhinaba Gupta and Nivedita Chaubal Durve
Abstract
Although occupying a mere 2% of the Earthâs landmass, India is home to 8% of the worldâs biodiversity, which is now under considerable threat from climate change. This study delves into the interplay between biodiversity conservation and climate change in India, with a particular focus on sensitive ecosystems such as the Himalayas, Western Ghats, and coral reefs. The research evaluates governmental legislation, including the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and the Biological Diversity Act (2002), as well as the contributions of NGOs to conservation efforts. The investigation highlights triumphant initiatives like Project Tiger and species-specific programs, whilst also noting that climate change puts 20-30% of species at risk of extinction. The study examines innovative approaches, such as Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Climate-Smart Agriculture, emphasizing the crucial role of biodiversity in mitigating climate change through natural carbon sequestration. This research underlines the pressing need for comprehensive strategies to tackle both biodiversity loss and climate change in India.