CLIMATE CHANGE & SHRINKING GRAZING LANDS

NEWs: Scientistsàprojected that due to climate change (changes in temperature, rainfall, and humidity), the world may lose 36–50% of climatically suitable grazing land by 2100, especially in Africa

Grazing Lands

• Grazing lands = Natural grasslands, rangelands, and pastures where livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, etc.) feed.
• Types: Grasslands, Savannas, Rangelands,Pastures

Climate Change: Impacts on Grazing Land:

• Rising temperatures → Grass drying
• Erratic rainfall → Reduced vegetation growth
• Drought frequency → Desertification
• Extreme weather → Land degradation

Implications

• Food Security Threat: Reduced grazing → Less livestock productivity=>Decline in milk, meat, and wool supply
• Pastoral communities depend entirely on grazing lands=> Loss of income & migration
• Climate Changeà Drought & Heat Stressà Vegetation Lossà Soil Erosion & Desertificationà Shrinking Grazing Lands

Relevance for India

• India has large pastoral population, extensive dryland regions (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Deccan Plateau)
• Vulnerable groups: Nomadic pastoralists (Raikas, Maldharis, Gujjars)
• Dependence on monsoon-fed grasslands
• Climate change may lead toà Fodder shortage, livestock distress, rural migration, agrarian crisis