20240505 Wildfires destroy 1,107ha forest cover in Uttarakhand; could trigger glacier melt, say scientists
India May 05 2024 “Forest”
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Wildfires destroy 1,107ha forest cover in Uttarakhand; could trigger glacier melt, say scientists
Updated: 2024-05-05
DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand has lost 1,107 hectares of forest cover to 886 wildfire incidents since Nov, and scientists have now expressed concerns over the profound impact of wildfires on the region’s ecosystems. A total of 18 fire incidents on Monday consumed 21.9 hectares of forest. Three lives have been claimed by these fires, while 61 individuals face charges of deliberate arson.
The fires intensify heat and emit black carbon, adversely affecting water systems and air quality. The Forest Survey of India (FSI) has issued numerous fire alerts to Uttarakhand, underlining the severity of the situation.
P S Negi, a former scientist from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, highlighted the stress on glaciers caused by increased black carbon concentration. He said, “In summer, black carbon concentration increases in the atmosphere due to forest fires, which impacts the melting of glaciers and the entire ecosystem.”
A study by the World Bank underscored the role of black carbon in accelerating glacier melt. The report says, “In addition to the threats from global climate change, the amount of black carbon produced and circulated within the region not only decreases the reflectance of the glacier surface, which increases the absorption of solar radiation, but also raises air temperatures, which increases glacier melt.”
Black carbon threat to Himalayan ecosystem
Researchers from the G B Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, including J C Kuniyal, identified various sources of black carbon accumulation on glaciers.
Kuniyal said, “We are in the process of analysing factors that accumulate black carbon.” He elaborated on how activities such as forest fires, transboundary pollution, and vehicular emissions contribute to black carbon deposition.
The World Meteorological Organisation warns of accelerated glacier retreat in the Himalayas, heightening risks of natural disasters like glacial lake outburst floods.
The World Meteorological Organisation’s recent study states, “The accelerated pace of retreating of glaciers in the High Mountain Asia region and Himalayas and increased risks of natural hazards like glacial lake outburst floods.”
Web Source The Times of India