Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced that the state is India’s largest carbon sink, playing a vital role in combating climate change and supporting the country’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions.
In a social media post, part of his administration’s “PEMA 3.0 – Year of Reforms and Growth” campaign, Khandu highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s significant contribution to India’s carbon sequestration, stating it accounts for “a remarkable 14.38 percent” of the national total.
With an “impressive 79 percent forest cover,” the state currently holds the highest carbon stock in India, at “1,021 million tonnes,” the Chief Minister claimed. He emphasized the importance of this ecological wealth, writing, “This rich carbon stock is critical for India to meet its net-zero emissions target by 2070.” In another post, Khandu reiterated Arunachal Pradesh’s critical role, stating, “From the lungs of the Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh plays a crucial role in India’s journey towards Net-Zero emission by 2070.”
While Arunachal’s extensive green cover makes it a top carbon sink, the Chief Minister acknowledged that the “impacts of climate change are already visible and increasingly real,” underscoring the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Khandu’s statements not only draw attention to the ecological significance of Arunachal’s forests but also align with national and international climate priorities. The state’s vast forest wealth, encompassing diverse ecosystems from tropical rainforests to alpine woodlands, absorbs substantial amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide, a crucial mechanism in mitigating global warming.
This social media outreach is part of a series showcasing governance achievements under ‘PEMA 3.0’, an initiative focused on structural reforms and sustainable development.
