CSE report on India paints grim picture; Arunachal a climate hotspot

NEW DELHI, 5 Jun: Twenty-five glacial lakes and water bodies in India, China and Nepal have recorded over 40 percent rise in their water spread areas since 2009, posing a grave threat to five Indian states and two union territories, a new report stated.

According to the report by the Centre for Science & Environment (CSE), the seven states and union territories which are under threat are Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.

The report said that 45 to 64 percent of India’s forest cover is likely to become climate hotspots by 2030. By 2050, almost the entire forest cover of the country is likely to become a climate hotspot.

“The severity, in terms of damage due to climate change, is set to increase in 2085,” the CSE report stated.

A climate hotspot refers to an area that is likely to face severe impacts of climate change. (PTI)