FOREST FIRE: THREAT TO THE ENVIRONMENT

Forest fire incidents have been reported. According to the experts, major reasons are the cause of these wildfires are increasing heat, changing snow and rain patterns. All these factors along with other factors have rapidly increased the chances of wildfire in the forests and the burns have become more intense and wide as compared to the past.

Due to extreme weather conditions and harsher droughts, the rate of forest fires has increased dramatically. These forest fires have not only affected the forest habitat but also severely affected the world’s atmosphere. In recent reports, statistics reveal that the temperature of the West coast of America has been increased up to 2 degrees since the beginning of 2020.  The smoke and the carbon released from these fires act as a precursor to raise the temperature of the environment.

Nowadays, Turkey has been facing this issue. The deadliest fire has spread widely all across the land ranging from hills to the shores. Due to the heatwave and dry weather Turkish fires have been fuelled by Southern European heatwave, which has now taken grip in the other parts of the Mediterranean Sea. Due to increased heat waves, Greece is in danger.

 “The temperature of Greece could reach forty-five degrees in upcoming days” (Aljazeera news)

Greece Prime Minister Kyarikos Mitsota

Along with climatic change, human actions have significantly played role in forest fire. Incorrect zoning and tourism policies have to lead to pollution and global warming which in turn cause forest fires. About 84 % of forest fires occur due to human actions such as unextinguished campfires, improper burning, and disposal of debris. It is normal for the countries that are near Mediterranean trees to experience bush fire, but this year the numbers have been escalated than usual and have raised the temperature up to eight degrees Celsius which is further strengthening the chances of a fire in these areas.

Pros and Cons of Forest Fire

Cons:

Forest Fire has a severe impact not only on the country but also inflicts serious problems throughout the world.

1. The ashes produced as a result of forest fires destroy large number of nutrients and erode the soil which further leads to flooding and land sliding and also causes global warming.
2. The chemicals use for fire extinguishing is accumulated in the soils for years and directly affects vegetation and bio diversity.
3. It destroys the natural habitat of animals and also leads to endangerment of certain species as forest fire destroy not only their homes but also their food sources which are necessary for survival.

Pros:

Forest fire causes massive destruction but there are few ecological benefits:

1. As many plants require fire to spread, it causes to spread seeds to ensure survival of certain plant species.
2. It can kill insects, infectious plants and removes excessive debris from the forest floor and allows access to small plants toward more sunlight.
3. Low intensity fires prevent damage of future fires from spreading.

Forest fires have an adverse effect on the lives of human beings and animals but it is a dire need to take precautionary measurements and to improve environmental conditions to overcome these disasters and keep our Earth and natural resources safe.

Rida Fatima is the Content Writer at STUDENTINN SOLUTIONS.