KATHMANDU: Wildfires and warming have formed a dangerous connection, creating a growing crisis in Nepal. Each year, as the winter recedes and the dry season takes hold, the country experiences a recurring and rapidly intensifying challenge of forest fire. What was once considered a periodic occurrence has now transformed into an evolving dual environmental and social-economic crisis.

A dense plume of smoke engulfing ridges, deteriorating the air quality level in cities like Kathmandu, and surging reports of charred forests have become regular headlines. According to Nepal’s Department of Forests and Soil Conservation, a large number of forest fire incidents are documented annually, with the peak season between March and May. Earth observation systems such as NASA fire tracking tools have regularly detected a significant number of ongoing fire points throughout Nepal, with peak seasons accentuating the scope of the predicament.

Globally, this context is equally concerning. According to reports, over 13 million hectare of forest are fire affected, liberating large amounts of toxic gases such as greenhouse gases into the surrounding. These shifts evidently highlight that wildfires are no longer isolated local events, but part of a broader global climate crisis.

Forest fires in Nepal are shaped by a blend of environmental and anthropogenic factors. On the human side, activities like crop residue burning, abandoned campfires, and pasture burning continue to play a vital role. At the same time, climate change is behaving as a potent driver. Elevated temperatures, lower precipitation, and sustained dry periods have made forests gradually dry and highly flammable.

Studies in Nepal suggest an incremental rise in average temperature over the past years, specifically in the mid-hills and terai regions, aiding the increased forest fire incidents in Chitwan, Makwanpur and Dang. In addition, variation in wind patterns enables fire to circulate more faster, transforming a small spark into a massive catastrophe.

Wildfire and climate change are directly connected in an amplifying way. From one perspective, climate change drives ideal conditions for fires, as rising temperatures desiccate vegetation, reduced air moisture increases combustibility, and prolonged dry seasons extend the duration of fires. On the other hand, wildfires substantially contribute to climate change.

Based on global environmental studies, wildfires produce billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, along with methane and carbon monoxide.

Across the world, wildfires produce around 6 to 8 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, emissions that account for a major share of global greenhouse and other toxic gases. This creates what scientists call a fire climate feedback loop, where global heating contributes to fire, and those fires further intensify warming.

Nepal is one of the world’s biodiversity-rich countries, with forests covering about 45 percent of its total area according to the Forest Resource Assessment Nepal. These forests support diverse ecological systems, including endangered species such as the Red Panda and the Bengal Tiger. Wildfires severely interrupt these ecosystems.

Habitat destruction forces wildlife to move or perish, while the loss of natural vegetation reduces food availability. Essential soil nutrients are burned away, slowing forest recovery and regeneration. Frequent fires can permanently disrupt ecosystem functioning, and in certain cases, forests may be unable to recover at all, gradually turning into degraded land or grassland.

The effects of forest fires extend far beyond environmental damage and directly impact human sustainability, particularly in rural Nepal. More than 80 percent of the rural population relies on forests for daily necessities such as fodder, firewood, and non-timber forest products. When fires decimate these resources, households lose fundamental sources of livelihood. Farmers face difficulty feeding livestock, and income streams decline, weakening financial stability and increasing poverty in already fragile communities.

Forests also play a crucial role in maintaining water cycles by supporting groundwater recharge and sustaining springs and rivers. Fires severely damage soil structure, reduce water holding capacity, and increase surface runoff and erosion. As a result, water sources begin to dry up, directly affecting agriculture, which remains a backbone of Nepal’s economy. Reduced water supply leads to lower crop yields and rising food insecurity.

Forest-dependent communities also rely on wild foods such as fruits, herbs, nuts, seeds, berries, honey, and mushrooms. After fires, these resources disappear, further reducing agricultural productivity and leading to food scarcity. Environmental shocks like wildfires are recognized as major drivers of rural vulnerability and livelihood uncertainty.

Wildfire smoke contains harmful pollutants, especially fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. During peak fire seasons, air quality levels in Nepal often reach unhealthy or hazardous levels. Respiratory infections increase, particularly affecting children and the elderly. These health problems reduce productivity and impose financial burdens, further undermining overall sustainability.

A destructive cycle emerges as wildfires damage natural resources, leading to loss of income and livelihoods. This increases pressure on remaining resources, resulting in overuse and environmental degradation. The degraded environment then becomes even more fire-prone, making it increasingly difficult for communities to achieve long-term sustainability.

Climate predictions suggest that wildfire risk will continue to rise globally. Studies estimate that fire-damaged areas could expand by 10 to 20 percent by the end of the century if current emission trends persist. For Nepal, this means more frequent fire events, greater pressure on forests, and deeper impacts on livelihoods and biodiversity.

Addressing forest fires requires both local and global responses. Improving community forest management, strengthening fire detection and early warning systems, and increasing public awareness and training are essential at the national level. At the global level, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting climate-resilient forest management systems are critical.

Nepal’s community forest user groups have already demonstrated success in sustainable forest management, and strengthening these groups with adequate resources and training can significantly reduce fire risks.

Wildfires are no longer just environmental events. They have become a serious threat to climate stability and human sustainability. In Nepal, where forests and people are deeply interconnected, the impact of forest fires is felt not only in burned landscapes but also in livelihoods, health, and future security.

The link between wildfire and warming is urgent and undeniable. Protecting forests today is not only about conserving nature, but also about securing a sustainable future for both people and the planet.