Escaped
Global warming has intensified the frequency and severity of forest fires globally, including in India. The country has seen record-breaking temperatures that have accelerated the onset of the forest fire season. According to the Forest Survey of India, the number of forest fires has been rising, with the year 2020 witnessing nearly 21,000 large fire incidents, a significant increase from previous years.
A tree stands engulfed in flames, a striking image amidst the forest inferno.
Documenting the Flames: Forest Fires in the Heart of New Delhi
In the bustling city of New Delhi, a fire broke out near Yamuna Ghat on April 1, 2021, encircling a village in a vivid display of nature's fury. This event, captured in my photo series "Escaped," highlights a growing environmental concern: forest fires.
Amid a relentless fire, a determined boy fights fiercely, driven by frustration with the recurring devastation caused by the authorities' indifference to his family's pleas. His anger speaks volumes about the cycle of struggle they endure every three months.
Defending their home: Community unites to battle the advancing fire.
Forest fires, while a natural phenomenon, are often exacerbated by human actions, whether through negligence or accidents. In India, these fires are becoming increasingly common, with their frequency and intensity driven by a combination of climatic factors and human activities.
Surface fires, the most prevalent type, consume litter and loose debris on the forest floor, along with low-lying vegetation. While these fires can sometimes play a role in forest regeneration, they also pose significant threats, potentially leading to widespread destruction of undergrowth and the lower forest layers. The photos in "Escaped" vividly illustrate the destructive potential of surface fires, underscoring the broader climate crisis facing the world today.
As his family fights to extinguish the fire, a bewildered boy gazes into the camera, unaware of the peril surrounding him.
Moreover, climate change exacerbates these conditions by altering the natural fire regimes. With more frequent heatwaves and prolonged droughts, vegetation becomes drier and more flammable, increasing the likelihood of fires. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects that for every degree of global temperature rise, the risk of extreme fire weather increases by 10-20%.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, it is crucial to understand and address the complex factors contributing to forest fires. Through my photography in "Escaped," I aim to raise awareness about these critical issues and advocate for more robust measures to combat climate change and protect our natural environments. The increasing prevalence of forest fires serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action to reduce carbon emissions and enhance resilience against climate impacts.