Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Forests play a crucial role in alleviating climate change through mechanisms such as carbon sequestration, the preservation of biodiversity, and the regulation of ecological systems. In India, a diverse forest landscape is governed by a comprehensive legal framework that encompasses the Indian Forest Act of 1927, the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980, the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986, and the Forest Rights Act of 2006. This paper offers a critical examination of the evolution and efficacy of these laws in addressing climate change by managing deforestation, promoting afforestation, and enabling sustainable forest management. Furthermore, it explores judicial interventions, policy developments, and notable challenges, including developmental pressures, legal ambiguities, and implementation gaps. While India has made considerable progress in forest conservation, challenges remain concerning enforcement, community rights, and recent policy changes. The study concludes that it is essential to reinforce institutional frameworks, synchronize climate policies with forest governance, and enhance community participation to improve the effectiveness of forest legislation in climate mitigation.
Author: Rahul Debnath
Institution: ICFAI University, Tripura
Language: English
Topic: Environmental law and policy
Subfield: Law
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7160033063