Relevance for UPSC: GS III (Environment, Climate Change, Biodiversity) | Source: The hindu ; IPBES, UNFCCC

Context

Grasslands occupy nearly 40% of the Earth’s land surface and support millions of pastoral and indigenous communities. Despite their ecological value, grasslands remain under-recognised in climate and biodiversity policies, often misclassified as “wastelands” and diverted for afforestation, infrastructure, or mining.

Why Grasslands Matter

• Climate regulation: Grasslands store substantial soil organic carbon, often more stable than forest carbon.
• Biodiversity conservation: Habitat for grassland birds, pollinators, and migratory species.
• Resilience: Naturally adapted to fire, drought, and rainfall variability.
• Hydrology: Improve groundwater recharge and reduce soil erosion.

Livelihood & Governance Dimension

Grasslands underpin pastoral economies and preserve traditional ecological knowledge. Their conversion leads to livelihood loss and social injustice, especially for nomadic communities.

Policy Gaps

• Bias towards tree-centric climate solutions
• Weak representation in India’s Nationally Determined Contributions
• Inadequate mapping and monitoring

Way Forward

• Recognise grasslands as distinct ecosystems
• Integrate them into climate plans and restoration policies
• Promote community-led management using remote sensing tools

One-Line Wrap: Ignoring grasslands in climate policy weakens mitigation, adaptation, and social equity outcomes.

Q. Which of the following best explains the climate importance of grasslands?
A. High timber value
B. Stable below-ground carbon storage
C. Dense canopy cover
D. High rainfall dependence

Answer: B