Topic: changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Q2. Examine the major physical and climatic factors behind the recent surge in global wildfires. Evaluate their implications for global food and water security. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Reference: DTE
Why the question:
In light of the 2024–25 surge in global wildfires, testing understanding of the physical and climatic determinants of fire activity and their cascading impacts on food and water security under climate change.Key Demand of the question:
It requires examining the major natural and climatic drivers of recent wildfire escalation and evaluating how these fires disrupt global agricultural productivity, hydrological cycles, and resource sustainability.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:Define wildfires as natural phenomena increasingly influenced by anthropogenic climate change; briefly mention the recent global surge.
Body:
- Physical and climatic factors: Explain temperature rise, prolonged droughts, El Niño events, wind patterns, lightning, and vegetation stress as triggers of global wildfire activity.
- Implications for food and water security: Discuss impacts on soil fertility, crop yields, hydrological balance, water contamination, biodiversity loss, and livelihood stress.
Conclusion:
Emphasize the need for integrated climate adaptation, fire management, and sustainable water–agriculture policies to mitigate cascading global risks.
