Wildfire – A matter of grave concern!

Huma Iftikhar

Department of Environmental Sciences MNS University

The wildfire is a matter of grave concern, but concerned authorities are still least bothered about it.

Wildfires have intensified globally in recent years, with projections indicating a potential increase of up to 250% in fast-growing fires by 2050 due to climate change. In 2024, Punjab witnessed an 89% rise in forest fires compared to the previous year, with 377 incidents reported. Notably, Murree reported 26 cases, Chakwal 24, Narowal 18, Rawalpindi 17, and Gujrat 16.

This surge has raised concerns about environmental degradation and the effectiveness of current firefighting strategies. Devastating wildfires have also been recorded in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, Islamabad’s Margalla Hills, and across the United States, particularly in California, leading to massive destruction and loss of life, according to the breakup of devastating wildfire in the country.

Wildfires will likely affect less than two percent of the total land area annually, even with climate change projections indicating a ten percent increase in the Fire Weather Index and up to 20 more days of extreme fire weather annually by the end of the century, independent research and background discussions with climate change experts revealed.

Pakistan has experienced a 12.7 percent rise in wildfires from 2001 to 2020, mainly affecting Punjab and Sindh. Around 36.4 % of Pakistan’s land is considered wildfire-prone due to factors like climate and vegetation.

The devastating floods, toxic smog, emissions, glaciers melting and increasing temperature related climate change matters have compelled the emergent nations at the Convention on Climate Change (COP29) to demand of $6.8 trillion (by 2030) to cater the challenges.

Wildfires have intensified globally in recent years, with projections indicating a potential increase of up to 250 percent in fast-growing fires by 2050 due to climate change. The alarming rise in wildfire incidents worldwide highlights the growing impact of climate change and deforestation.

The concerned authorities should take proper measures to deal with any mishap in future.