Battling Forest Fires: Why Reducing Carbon Emissions is Key to Tackling Climate Change

Forest fires are a pressing global issue, causing major destruction and disrupting ecosystems. These wildfires not only devastate large areas but also worsen air pollution and accelerate climate change. The biodiversity loss is staggering, with entire habitats being wiped out.

In recent years, the number and severity of forest fires have increased dramatically. Countries like Russia, Canada, the United States, Brazil, Australia, and Indonesia are witnessing more frequent and intense wildfires, which result in the loss of lives and property. The reasons behind this trend involve climate change, human actions, and poor fire management practices.

Interestingly, natural causes account for only 5% of wildfires globally. In the United States, 80% of these blazes are triggered by human activity. This highlights the need for effective strategies to tackle the root causes of forest fires and mitigate their impacts.

The wildfires in Los Angeles recently made headlines for their devastating effects. California’s dry climate and abundant vegetation create the perfect storm for fires, especially during the summer and fall. Reports suggest that recent wildfires in Los Angeles may rank among the costliest natural disasters in over a century, with losses potentially reaching $30 billion. Tragically, 29 lives were lost, and thousands of acres of land were scorched, alongside the destruction of homes.

From 2001 to 2023, about 138 million hectares of tree cover worldwide were lost to wildfires, with countries like Russia and Canada experiencing the largest losses. In addition to economic damages, forest fires caused significant loss of life, with over 10,000 deaths recorded globally in the same period.

The economic toll of wildfires is staggering. Between 1985 and 1994, insured wildfire losses totaled $3 billion. Fast forward to between 2015 and 2024, and this figure ballooned to $78 billion. Moreover, these fires release 5 to 8 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, contributing to air quality issues and health problems.

India is not immune to the threat of forest fires. Although the country boasts rich forest cover that sustains its ecology, these fires pose serious challenges to biodiversity and local economies. Data shows that human activities are responsible for approximately 95% of India’s forest fires. From 2012 to 2022, the number of forest fires in India increased slightly, pointing to a troubling trend.

Between 2001 and 2023, India faced a loss of around 1.65 million hectares of forest due to these fires. The state reports indicate that a significant portion of the country is at risk, with about 12% of forest cover being highly fire-prone.

Forest fires result in immediate damages like biodiversity loss and air pollution. They also contribute to climate change by increasing greenhouse gas emissions by around 1.5 billion tonnes annually. This has serious implications for health and livelihoods, especially for communities dependent on forest resources.

The Indian government has initiated the National Action Plan on Forest Fire to empower local communities. This plan encourages collaboration between residents and state forest departments to enhance their ability to combat forest fires through training and resources. Despite these efforts, much remains to be done.

To better manage forest fires, public education about fire safety is vital. Community training programs can help locals identify fire risks. Additionally, building fire control rooms and strengthening joint forest management can foster active participation in fire prevention efforts. The Forest Survey of India uses satellite technology for early fire detection, an essential aspect of effective fire management.

Boosting investments in fire management and research can lead to advancements in fire-resistant plants and suppression technologies. Addressing climate change is also crucial, as it intensifies extreme weather. Governments should set carbon emission targets and shift towards renewable energy to reduce long-term fire risks.

Ultimately, tackling forest fires requires a united effort from local, national, and international communities. This collaboration is key to protecting both the environment and people from the growing threat of wildfires.

Prakash Kumar Sahoo is an Assistant Professor of Economics at Government College, Sundargarh, while Yashobanta Parida and Joyita Roy Chowdhury are Assistant Professors of Economics at FLAME University, Pune.

These views are the authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth.

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