Context: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), called on global governments to adopt a new ‘Fire Ready Formula,’ as it warned that incidences of wildfires would rise in the future.

Key highlights of new formula:

• It envisages that 66 per cent of spending be devoted to planning, prevention, preparedness and recovery. The remaining 34 per cent can be spent on response.
• Integrated wildfire management is key to adapting to current and future changes in global wildfire risk.
• There is a need to invest more in fire risk reduction, work with local communities and strengthen global commitment to fight climate change.
• Achieving and sustaining adaptive land and fire management requires a combination of policies, a legal framework and incentives that encourage appropriate land and fire use.

                                                                            Source: UNEP report

What was the need for this new formula?

• UNEP report projected that the number of wildfires is likely to increase by up to 14 per cent by 2030. It is projected to spike by 33 per cent by 2050. It would rise by 52 per cent by 2100.
• The prevalence and behaviour of wildfires is changing due to numerous factors including, but not limited to, climate change.
• Change in land-use and land management practices are also responsible for the increasing risks of wildfires.
• The true cost of wildfires — financial, social, and environmental — extends for days, weeks, and even years after the flames subside.

How Wildfire affects?

• People’s health is directly affected by inhaling wildfire smoke, causing respiratory and cardiovascular impacts and increased health effects for the most vulnerable;
• The economic costs of rebuilding after areas are struck by wildfires can be beyond the means of low-income countries;
• Watersheds are degraded by wildfires’ pollutants; they also can lead to soil erosion causing more problems for waterways;
• Wastes left behind are often highly contaminated and require appropriate disposal.

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/natural-disasters/unep-s-fire-ready-formula-invest-more-in-preventing-wildfires-81669#:~:text=The%20United%20Nations%20Environment%20Programme,%2C%20prevention%2C%20preparedness%20and%20recovery

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