Escalating Forest Fire Events and Biodiversity Loss in Uttarakhand Under a Warming Climate

Forest fires pose an escalating threat to biodiversity, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions like the Himalayas. Uttarakhand, with its unique ecosystems and high proportion of endemic and endangered species, has experienced a significant increase in forest fire frequency in recent decades, largely driven by climate warming. Despite growing concerns, research on the interplay between climate dynamics and forest fire events in Uttarakhand remains limited, with little quantitative analysis of how these events impact biodiversity hotspots. Using satellite observations, climate reanalysis, and forest survey reports, we investigated how climate warming has altered the dynamics of forest fire events in Uttarakhand over the past two decades and evaluated their effects on local biodiversity. Fire records from MODIS and VIIRS spanning 2000–2024 reveal a marked increase in both the annual frequency and spatial extent of forest fires. The frequency of these fires is significantly correlated with rising temperatures, reduced pre-monsoon precipitation, wind speed, and relative humidity. Pre- and post-fire imagery indicates that forest fires impact more than 10% of biodiversity hotspots annually. Involving local communities in fire reporting and management, alongside reliable early warning systems, can be essential to mitigate fire risks. Our findings provide a scientific foundation for policymakers and conservation practitioners to reduce biodiversity loss and enhance ecosystem resilience in the face of escalating fire risks and global warming.