Forest fires grew 158% in 6 yrs; increased warming key factor: experts

Forest fires in India increased 1.5 times over six years to 35,888 incidents, according to government data submitted to Parliament on July 20, 2018.

Experts believe that long dry periods, especially during winter and the pre-monsoon period, caused by increased warming, is a significant factor for more fires.

The annual mean temperature in India has increased by 1.2 degree Celsius since the beginning of the 20th century, according to an analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), an environment research advocacy.

 

Drier spells conducive for fires

“Climate change is increasing dryness,” Chandra Bhushan, deputy