Daily Current Affairs : 26-August-2023
Himalayan Cedar, scientifically known as Cedrus deodara or simply deodar, is a remarkable tree that plays a significant role in our environment and society. Renowned for its fine-grade timber, medicinal properties, and sacred importance, deodar has been an integral part of the Himalayan landscape. However, a recent study has brought to light the alarming challenges that deodar faces due to climate change and increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Value of Deodar
Deodar is not just a tree; it is a valuable resource with multifaceted uses:
- Timber Treasure: Deodar timber is highly sought after for its quality and durability. It is used extensively in construction, making it a cornerstone of the local economy.
- Medicinal Marvel: Beyond its timber, deodar possesses medicinal qualities, with its extracts used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
- Spiritual Significance: Deodar holds sacred importance in local cultures, often being used in religious ceremonies and rituals.
Climate Change’s Impact on Deodar
The study predicts a significant impact on deodar due to climate change:
- Growth Decline: It is estimated that deodar plantations in low- and mid-latitude regions may experience a substantial decline of up to 38% in growth.
- High-Latitude Hope: In contrast, deodar trees in high-latitude sites are expected to experience a moderate increase in growth.
Understanding the Causes
Several factors contribute to these changes:
- Emissions Matter: Scientists examined greenhouse gas and aerosol emissions scenarios under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5. RCP 8.5, a ‘business as usual’ scenario, could have a more severe impact compared to RCP 4.5, where emissions peak and then decline.
- Shrinking Distribution: Deodar is a proficient carbon sequesterer, but its distribution has shrunk due to climate change, deforestation, and competition with other species. Rising temperatures and reduced pre-monsoon precipitation between March and May contribute to its decline.
- Competition and Threats: Deodar faces competition from chir pine, which is more drought and fire-tolerant. Additionally, silver fir and blue pine outcompete it at higher elevations in moist and dry regions, respectively. Insect infestations also pose significant threats, causing substantial losses.
More about Deodar Trees
To appreciate the importance of deodar, it’s essential to understand its characteristics:
- Majestic Size: Deodar is a large evergreen coniferous tree with a conical crown and drooping branchlets.
- Distinctive Leaves: Its needle-like leaves can vary in color from bright green to glaucous blue-green.
- Native Range: This species is native to East Afghanistan, Southwestern Tibet, Western Nepal, Northern Pakistan, and North-Central India.
- Altitude Adaptation: Deodar thrives at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 3,200 meters.
Important Points:
- Value of Deodar:
- Highly sought-after timber due to quality and durability.
- Medicinal properties used in traditional medicine.
- Sacred importance in local cultures for religious ceremonies.
- Climate Change Impact:
- Predicted up to a 38% decline in deodar growth in low- and mid-latitude regions.
- Moderate growth increase expected in high-latitude sites.
- Causes of Impact:
- Emissions scenarios (RCP 4.5 and 8.5) indicate higher emissions (RCP 8.5) could have a more severe impact.
- Shrinkage in deodar’s distribution due to climate change, deforestation, and competition with other species.
- Decline in growth attributed to rising temperatures and reduced pre-monsoon precipitation.
- Threats from species like chir pine, silver fir, blue pine, and insect infestations.
- Deodar Characteristics:
- Large evergreen coniferous tree with a conical crown and drooping branchlets.
- Needle-like leaves, varying in color from bright green to glaucous blue-green.
- Native to East Afghanistan, Southwestern Tibet, Western Nepal, Northern Pakistan, and North-Central India.
- Thrives at altitudes of 1,500 to 3,200 meters.
Why In News
A recent study has underscored that the looming threat of climate change and the escalating emissions of greenhouse gases are poised to accelerate the loss of Himalayan Cedar (Cedrus deodara), more commonly referred to as deodar. This alarming trend raises concerns about the long-term survival of this iconic species in the face of rapidly changing environmental conditions.
MCQs about Deodar
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What is the primary reason for the predicted decline in deodar growth in low- and mid-latitude regions due to climate change?
A) Increased precipitation during pre-monsoon months.
B) Rising temperatures and reduced pre-monsoon precipitation.
C) Decreased competition with other species.
D) Greater tolerance towards drought and fire.
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What are some of the valuable attributes of deodar?
A) Timber quality, medicinal properties, and cultural significance.
B) Fertile soil, high altitude adaptation, and extensive root system.
C) Rapid growth rate, low water requirements, and drought tolerance.
D) Resistance to pests, quick regeneration, and bright red foliage.
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Which emissions scenario is projected to have a more severe impact on deodar due to climate change?
A) RCP 4.5, where emissions peak around 2040 and then decline.
B) RCP 8.5, a ‘business as usual’ scenario with continually rising emissions.
C) RCP 2.0, a scenario with immediate and drastic emissions reduction.
D) RCP 6.0, a moderate emissions scenario with slow reduction.
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Which species is mentioned as a threat to deodar due to its tolerance towards drought and fire?
A) Silver fir.
B) Blue pine.
C) Chir pine.
D) Silver oak.
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