📋 Group Discussion (GD) Analysis Guide: Can Reforestation Help India Combat Climate Change?

🌐 Introduction to Reforestation and Climate Change

Opening Context

“Reforestation represents one of the most significant strategies in combating climate change, providing dual benefits of carbon sequestration and biodiversity restoration.”

Background

India has pledged under the Paris Agreement to create additional carbon sinks of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through forest and tree cover by 2030. Recent efforts include the National Afforestation Programme and CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority).

📊 Quick Facts and Key Statistics

• 🌳 India’s Forest Cover: 24.62% of total geographical area (2023 Forest Survey of India).
• 🌍 Carbon Sequestration: Forests offset approximately 12% of India’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.
• 💰 Afforestation Budgets: ₹47,000 crore under CAMPA funds (2023 allocation).
• 🎯 Targeted Increase: Additional 2.5 billion tonnes of carbon sink by 2030.

🤝 Stakeholders and Their Roles

• 🏛️ Government Agencies: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change implements afforestation policies and fund allocation.
• 💼 Private Sector: Corporates contribute via CSR initiatives and carbon credit investments.
• 👩‍🌾 Local Communities: Tribal and rural communities play a pivotal role in forest management and restoration.
• 🌍 NGOs and International Organizations: Actively support afforestation through funding, capacity-building, and on-ground implementation.

🏆 Achievements and Challenges

Achievements

• 💸 CAMPA Fund Utilization: Over 50% disbursed in 2023 for forest rejuvenation projects.
• 🌱 Mangrove Reforestation: Notable success in Sundarbans for biodiversity conservation and disaster mitigation.
• 👷 Community Participation: Over 20 million rural jobs created through forestry schemes under MGNREGA.

Challenges

• 🚫 Deforestation Rate: 0.7 million hectares of forest lost annually to industrial and developmental projects.
• 🌾 Climate Resilience: Low survival rates of plantation drives due to unsuitable species or poor maintenance.
• 🌎 Global Comparisons: Brazil leads with its Amazon Restoration Fund but also faces criticism for high deforestation rates.

📂 Structured Arguments for Discussion

• 🟢 Supporting Stance: “Reforestation can significantly offset emissions, aligning with India’s Paris Agreement commitments.”
• 🔴 Opposing Stance: “Plantation drives often lack transparency and sustainability, reducing their long-term impact.”
• ⚖️ Balanced Perspective: “While reforestation is vital, it must be complemented with stringent anti-deforestation measures.”

📖 Effective Discussion Approaches

Opening Approaches

• 📊 Statistical Start: “India’s forests currently sequester 12% of its emissions—a figure with immense growth potential.”
• ⚖️ Contrast Introduction: “Despite afforestation claims, India’s deforestation rate undercuts its carbon offset goals.”

Counter-Argument Handling

• ✔️ Disaster Resilience: Emphasize reforestation’s role in mitigating disasters like cyclones in Sundarbans.
• 🌾 Alternative Solutions: Propose agroforestry and urban afforestation as complementary strategies.

🔍 Strategic Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses

• ✅ Strengths: Enhances biodiversity, creates employment, mitigates climate risks.
• ❌ Weaknesses: Deforestation offsets gains, survival rate of plantations is low.
• 🌟 Opportunities: Carbon trading markets, international partnerships.
• ⚠️ Threats: Industrial land clearance, biodiversity conflicts.

📚 Connecting with B-School Applications

• 💡 Real-World Applications: Projects on carbon credits, sustainable forestry management.
• 📝 Sample Interview Questions:
• “How can afforestation be integrated with industrial development?”
• “Evaluate the role of reforestation in achieving India’s climate goals.”
• 📖 Insights for Students: Explore the carbon markets’ potential and agroforestry as a scalable solution.