Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment, Disaster and disaster management
Q6. “Climate change is not only intensifying wildfires but also compounding post-fire hydrological hazards”. Examine this dual risk. Assess its implications for disaster management. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question
Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of lightning-induced wildfires, and recent studies (Canada, US, Europe, 2025) show their cascading effects on flash floods and slope failures, making it a contemporary disaster management concern.
Key demand of the question
The question asks to examine how climate change is creating a dual risk of wildfires and post-fire hydrological hazards, and then assess its broader implications for disaster management frameworks in India and globally.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly highlight how climate change is leading to compound hazards, citing recent reports like UNEP or IPCC.
Body
- Explain the dual risk: (i) increasing wildfire frequency/intensity due to climate drivers, (ii) compounding post-fire hydrological hazards like floods, slope failures, and water contamination.
- Assess implications for disaster management: institutional challenges, gaps in early warning, community vulnerability, economic costs, and need for multi-hazard frameworks.
Conclusion
End with a forward-looking note on integrated climate-resilient disaster governance using technology, NDMA reforms, and local adaptation measures.
