Global Wildfires and Destruction
Recent wildfires in the U.S. (Texas, Oklahoma, California) have caused massive property damage, with nearly 300 homes burned.
Wildfires in Japan near Ofunato City have not only destroyed buildings but forced over 4,200 people to evacuate from the area.
These fires also highlight a global trend of increasing wildfire intensity and frequency, particularly in areas previously less affected.
Increased Carbon Emissions
The carbon emissions from wildfires in January 2025 amounted to 800,000 tonnes, nearly four times more than a decade ago.
The fires are not only affecting local ecosystems but also contributing significantly to global carbon levels, affecting climate change.
Copernicus Air Monitoring Service (CAMS) of the European Union reported that wildfire heat radiance was much higher than the long-term average, signaling a greater intensity of these fires.
In India, forest fires are a significant carbon source, with an estimated 69 million tonnes of carbon dioxide released annually from them.
Rising Temperatures and Wildfire Risks in India
India is witnessing its highest land temperatures in recent years, with an increase of 0.1º-0.4ºC per decade in the northwest, northeast, and central regions.
Higher temperatures, longer dry spells, and slower-moving heat waves create conditions ideal for wildfires.
Forest fires have also been linked to a rising number of fire hotspots across states like Uttarakhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
These weather conditions also impact agricultural practices, further straining resources and increasing vulnerability to wildfires.
Arctic Carbon Sink Deteriorating
The Arctic Boreal Zone (ABZ) has been losing its role as a carbon sink due to wildfires, with over 30% of it now releasing carbon rather than absorbing it.
Areas like Alaska, northern Europe, and Siberia are now significant carbon-emitting regions, reversing the carbon absorption trends of the past.
The permafrost thawing in the Arctic due to warming temperatures is a significant factor in this shift, releasing more carbon dioxide.
Studies indicate that non-summer months in the Arctic now emit more carbon than the summer months, further worsening the situation.
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