Recently, India’s first study on ‘teal carbon’,  was undertaken at Keoladeo National Park (KNP) in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district. 

Collaboration and Research

• The study was conducted by the Central University of Rajasthan, in collaboration with international researchers from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Kenyon College.
• Research at KNP focused on assessing the status and role of teal carbon in combating climate change.

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About Teal Carbon

• Teal carbon refers to carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands, including vegetation, microbial biomass, and organic matter.
• It differs from black and brown carbon, which come from incomplete combustion of organic matter and contribute to global warming.

• Colour-Based Classification of Carbon

  • Scientists classify carbon into different types based on its function, characteristics, and location in the carbon cycle. Here are the main types:
  • Types of Carbon
    • Purple Carbon: Carbon from air or industrial emissions.
    • Blue Carbon: Carbon stored in marine plants and sediments.
    • Teal Carbon: Carbon stored in freshwater and wetland environments.
    • Green Carbon: Carbon stored in terrestrial plants and forests.
    • Black Carbon: Carbon emitted from burning fossil fuels.
    • Grey Carbon: Carbon from industrial emissions.
    • Brown Carbon: Carbon from the incomplete combustion of organic matter.
    • Red Carbon: Carbon released through biological particles on snow and ice, reducing albedo.

• Challenges Faced by Teal Carbon Ecosystems

  • Anthropogenic activities: Pollution, construction, and land use changes threaten wetland health.
  • Methane emissions: Wetlands can emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
  • Hydrological fragmentation: Many wetlands are being degraded and fragmented.
• Teal Carbon’s Role in Climate Change Mitigation
  • Effective Carbon Storage
    • Wetlands, especially peatlands, store carbon more efficiently than forests.
    • Peatlands can store up to 40 times more carbon than tropical forests.
    • This helps lower CO2 levels in the atmosphere, reducing global warming.
  • Regulating Greenhouse Gases
    • Wetlands both absorb CO2 and emit methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
    • The overall impact depends on the type and condition of the wetland.
    • Properly managed wetlands act as carbon sinks, aiding climate mitigation.
  • Enhancing Climate Resilience
    • Wetlands influence temperature, rainfall, and humidity, helping to regulate local climate.
    • They provide protection from floods and droughts, acting as natural buffers.
    • Wetland conservation increases resilience against climate change impacts.
  • Supporting Biodiversity
    • Wetlands are home to a wide variety of plants and animals.

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• • Conserving wetlands helps protect biodiversity and keeps ecosystems healthy.
• Providing Ecosystem Services
  • Wetlands offer services like water filtration, flood control, and nutrient cycling.
  • Protecting wetlands ensures the continuation of these vital services for humans and nature.

Key findings of the study

• Methane Emissions

  • The study found high levels of methane emissions in the wetlands at KNP.
  • The use of specialised biochar, a type of charcoal, could help reduce these emissions.
    • Biochar is a carbon rich material made from organic sources like wood and plants. 
      • It is produced through a process called “pyrolysis”. 
        • Pyrolysis is a process of heating organic matter at a low temperature. 

• Environmental Threats

  • Degraded wetlands can release harmful gases like methane and carbon dioxide.
  • Urgent conservation efforts are needed to prevent further degradation.

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• Conservation Recommendations

• • Effective water management and planting of suitable vegetation are necessary to sustain teal carbon pools.
  • Proper conservation would also benefit groundwater levels, flood control, and help reduce urban heat islands.

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