Potential Impact of Climate Change on Tamil Nadus Western Ghats by 2050

A recent study conducted by researchers at Anna University’s Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Management has raised concerns regarding the future of forests in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. The research indicates that while the region may remain green over the coming decades, the ecological composition of these forests could undergo significant changes due to climate change.

Key areas affected include the Nilgiris, Kodaikanal, Valparai, Courtallam, and Kanyakumari. The study predicts a potential reduction in both evergreen and deciduous forests, with an increase in drier thorn forests expected by the year 2050. These shifts may have profound implications for biodiversity, water security, carbon storage, and overall ecosystem stability throughout the State.

The Western Ghats are recognized as one of India’s critical biodiversity hotspots, home to numerous endemic species and vital for ecosystem services. In a discussion featured in the latest episode of The Hindu Focus Tamil Nadu, climate expert D. Suresh Kumar elaborates on the implications of these findings, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change impacts in the region and exploring strategies for conservation and sustainable management of forest resources.