Climate Change, Land Degradation and Sustainability: Insight towards Innovative Solutions from Indian Perspective

Climate change in India is characterised by a 0.7 °C temperature rise, uneven distribution of rainfall, extreme weather events, reduced snowfall, and rapidly intensifying high-frequency cyclones along both coasts. These changes lead to various types of land degradation in different parts of the country, including soil erosion, desertification, prolonged waterlogging, and salt accumulation, which increases soil acidity. The most significant environmental issue in India is soil erosion, driven by both water and wind. Approximately 37 million hectares of agricultural land are affected by water erosion, which depletes the topsoil and impacts agricultural productivity. Additionally, coastal areas are experiencing saltwater intrusion, soil salinity, and waterlogging, which are growing concerns in areas reliant on irrigation. Agrochemical use and microplastic contamination are also emerging challenges contributing to land degradation. To address these land degradation issues, India has implemented watershed conservation programs, government schemes, and sustainable land management practices. These include the use of organic inputs for erosion control, controlled grazing, biofertilizers, and other measures to mitigate land degradation. To combat climate change, the country is focusing on protecting carbon sinks by sequestering carbon in soil to improve biomass, halting deforestation, regulating forest biomes, and following restoration and conservation practices. Protecting biodiversity, supporting local communities, and recharging groundwater are also essential actions. A comprehensive approach, including effective policy implementation, farmer education, and addressing soil and land degradation issues, is crucial to overcoming these challenges.