Elevation in wildfire frequencies with respect to the climate change

Abstract

Forests have been undergoing through immense pressure due to the factors like human activities; procurement of forest products and climate change which is a major factor influencing this pressure buildup on forests. Climate change and temperature increase caused by anthropogenic activities have notably affected forests and wildlife on a global scale. High temperature increases the soil-water evaporation, resulting in drier soils, and water loss in forest flora. The incidence of forest fires has doubled since 1984 and these are linked to global warming. Drought influences fuel moisture by bringing about physiological changes in forest vegetation leading to forest fires. Forest resilience is hampered because of temperature and drought stress at the developing stage of plant's life cycle leading to the shift in plant species in those areas. Forest fire incidences can be managed with proper management strategies such as sustainable, community and urban forest management. A careful monitoring of stress precursors, subsistence uses of forests, ecological education and planting of near native and new indigenous plant species are the tools that can aid in efficient forest management.

Keywords: Climate change; Forest; Management; Sustainable management; Wildfire.