Climate Trends Report 2026: India's Green Cover Declined by 5.6 Percentage Points in 25 Years

Why in News?

• India's green cover decreased from 36.95% in 2001 to 31.35% in 2025.
• Non-green land increased from 63.05% to 68.65% during the same period.
• Green-covered areas recorded summer temperatures approximately 1°C to 2.5°C lower than non-green areas.
• Regions experiencing green-cover loss showed an average summer temperature increase of 0.26°C.

Key Findings of the Climate Trends Report 2026

1. Decline in India's Green Cover

2. Increase in Summer Temperatures

• Non-green landscapes were consistently warmer than vegetation-covered areas.
• The average temperature difference ranged between 1°C and 2.5°C.
• Areas that lost green cover experienced an average summer temperature increase of 0.26°C.
• Both green and non-green areas experienced warming, indicating the influence of broader climate change.

3. Regional Variation in Green Cover

Summer warming was particularly prominent in northern and northwestern India. Some parts of central and southern India experienced localised cooling.

How Does Green Cover Reduce Temperatures?

Vegetation moderates temperatures through several natural processes.

• Evapotranspiration: Plants absorb water through their roots and release water vapour through their leaves. This process uses heat energy and helps cool the surrounding environment.
• Shading: Trees prevent direct solar radiation from reaching the ground, reducing surface heating.
• Moisture Retention: Vegetated soils generally retain more moisture than exposed, dry surfaces, helping moderate local temperatures.
• Carbon Sequestration: Plants absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, contributing to long-term climate change mitigation.

Technology Used in the Study

MODIS instruments operate aboard NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites. ERA5-Land is a land-focused reanalysis dataset produced through the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Significance of Green Cover for India

1. Climate Change Adaptation: Green cover provides natural protection against extreme temperatures and helps reduce local heat stress. Protecting existing vegetation can strengthen India's resilience to climate change.
2. Biodiversity Conservation: Forests and other vegetated habitats support wildlife, maintain ecological balance and provide essential ecosystem services.
3. Public Health: Green spaces can reduce exposure to extreme heat, particularly for elderly people, children and outdoor workers.
4. Agricultural Sustainability: Vegetation helps maintain soil moisture, limits erosion and supports water conservation, which are important for agricultural productivity.
5. Economic Significance: Rising temperatures can reduce labour productivity, increase electricity demand and affect economic activity.

Major Challenges

• Urbanisation: Expansion of built-up areas can reduce natural vegetation and increase heat absorption.
• Deforestation and Land Degradation: Loss of natural vegetation weakens ecological resilience.
• Climate Change: Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns increase pressure on ecosystems.
• Water Scarcity: Reduced soil moisture and water availability can affect vegetation growth.
• Inadequate Urban Planning: Limited green spaces and excessive concrete surfaces can intensify the Urban Heat Island Effect.
• Restoration Challenges: Planting trees without considering native species, water availability and local ecology may reduce restoration effectiveness.

Government Initiatives Related to Green Cover

Way Forward

• Protect existing vegetation: Conservation of established forests and natural ecosystems should receive priority, particularly in regions facing vegetation loss and extreme heat.
• Promote native species: Ecological restoration should focus on locally suitable trees, shrubs, grasslands and other vegetation.
• Strengthen urban green infrastructure: Cities should incorporate urban forests, green corridors, parks and shaded public spaces into development plans.
• Use satellite-based monitoring: MODIS and other geospatial technologies can help identify vegetation loss and guide targeted restoration.
• Integrate vegetation into Heat Action Plans: Local authorities should prioritise vegetation restoration in areas exposed to severe heat stress.

Conclusion

• The Climate Trends Report 2026 highlights a close relationship between declining green cover and rising summer temperatures across India. The reduction of green-covered land by 5.6 percentage points between 2001 and 2025 underlines the need for stronger vegetation conservation and ecological restoration.
• India must recognise green cover not only as a biodiversity resource but also as essential natural climate-adaptation infrastructure. Protecting existing vegetation, restoring degraded landscapes and improving urban planning can help reduce heat stress and strengthen long-term environmental sustainability.

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