Carbon dioxide level in Gujarat University trees shoots up

A study conducted by students of the Climate Change Impacts Department of the Gujarat University has found that the carbon dioxide level around trees at the varsity campus has increased.

Carbon dioxide is one of the green house gases whose excessive presence causes warmer climate. The carbon stock data of the plants,which is under analysis,was found to be around 350-360 ppm,slightly higher than the normal level of 330 ppm.

However,it indicated that the carbon presence in the campus was quite high resulting into more carbon deposits in the trees. Though there are no industries around the campus,emission from vehicles passing through the area is stated to be the reason for the higher carbon stock in trees. The students are further analysing this data.

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Set up in 2009,the department has registered two Ph.D. students,with one of them conducting research on impact of climatic changes on vegetation in the state in general and another student doing research on pattern of vegetation in the Gulf of Cambay stretching from Bhavnagar to Vapi.

The first batch of 25 students from the department passed out last year.

Speaking to The Indian Express,Yogesh Jasrai,Head of the Department of Botany under which the climate change department functions,said the impact of climate change was very visible like in the early flowering of mangoes as also the delayed maturity of fruits owing to substantial temperature variations in the last few years.

To create awareness among the people about the impact of climatic changes,his department last year prepared a 15-minute animated film in collaboration with the Gujarat Ecology Commission. The film has been uploaded on Youtube as well. Besides,his department also prepared a DVD on global climatic changes with small stories on the impact of climate change.

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