Human-caused climate change is causing unprecedented fluctuations in the Earth's climate, according to a recent study by IIT Delhi, and the potential influence on forest fire danger in Indian forests is highlighted.
The Fire Weather Index (FWI) for several forest regions in India was calculated using a high-resolution dataset of future climate projections.
The findings show that FWI will increase significantly in Central and South Indian forests, as well as those in the Himalayan region, by the end of the century. Furthermore, the fire season in these areas is projected to last an additional 12-61 days. The findings support the widely held belief that increasing temperatures contribute to greater forest fire hazards.
Surprisingly, the study also identified differences between forest types. Humid tropical forests in locations such as the Western Ghats and parts of the Northeast, where higher rainfall and humidity are expected, may experience reduced FWI despite rising temperatures.
The study suggests the importance of doing a thorough examination of forest fires in India, given the country's unique climate and forest kinds. The researchers call for the development of fire hazard thresholds and management policies at the local level, emphasizing the necessity of tackling the issue at the granular level rather than taking a one-size-fits-all strategy at the national level.
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