Forest fires and climate change in India: impacts, adaptive strategies, and pathways for climate action (Sustainable Development Goal-13)

Abstract

India has been witnessing a rise in forest fire frequency and intensity due to climate change factors such as increasing temperatures, erratic rainfall, and prolonged droughts. These changes pose severe risks to biodiversity, carbon stocks, and forest-dependent communities, making assessing the climate change–forest fire relationship essential. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on climate change-induced forest fires in India, their ecological and socio-economic impacts, and current adaptation measures. Forests cover 21.67% of India’s land, and 36% are prone to forest fire incidents. The literature revealed a strong correlation between increasing temperatures and increased forest fire events, especially in the Western Ghats, Himalayas, Northeastern region, and central India. Major ecological impacts comprise habitat loss, soil degradation, and increasing emissions of greenhouse gases, while socio-economic consequences vary from livelihood difficulties to health issues. Despite technological advancements in early warning systems, community involvement, policy integration, and resource limitations remain. The study demonstrates the necessity for climate-resilient forest fire management by promoting community-based adaptation, upgrading forest fire monitoring networks, and integrating forest fire risk assessment into climate action and Sustainable Development Goal-13 (SDG-13) plans are essential. Addressing India’s forest fire risk calls for an integrated approach combining scientific findings, reforms to policy, and community involvement, which is crucial for safeguarding India’s ecosystems and vulnerable populations in a changing climatic scenario.

Graphical Abstract