India achieved a significant diplomatic and environmental milestone with its resolution on “Strengthening the Global Management of Wildfires,” adopted during the 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) held in Nairobi, Kenya. This resolution garnered extensive support from UN Member States, underscoring the rising global concern over the growing frequency and severity of wildfires worldwide.
The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) serves as the premier decision-making body on environmental issues globally. It convenes environment ministers from various UN member nations to outline priorities, foster international environmental legislation, and steer global environmental actions. Resolutions passed at UNEA are pivotal in shaping international collaboration, funding allocations, and policy directions concerning major environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and disaster risks.
India's resolution addresses the urgent environmental challenge posed by wildfires. Historically, wildfires were primarily seasonal; however, they are now escalating in frequency, scale, and intensity across different regions due to factors like climate change, deforestation, and shifts in land use. The United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) global report “Spreading Like Wildfire” warns of alarming trends, projecting a 14% increase in wildfires by 2030, 30% by 2050, and 50% by 2100. If these trends continue, they will lead to severe environmental, economic, and social consequences, including biodiversity loss, property damage, and health risks from air pollution.
India has increasingly positioned itself as a proactive leader in global climate and environmental diplomacy. This includes hosting preparatory events for COP-26 and advocating for transitions to renewable energy. Additionally, India leads international coalitions focused on clean energy, biodiversity, and climate resilience while enhancing domestic wildfire management through initiatives such as forest fire prevention programs, satellite monitoring, and community awareness campaigns.
Q1. What is the significance of India’s wildfire resolution at UNEA?
Answer: India’s wildfire resolution emphasizes the need for global cooperation and proactive strategies to manage wildfires, addressing an escalating environmental challenge.
Q2. How does UNEA influence environmental policy?
Answer: UNEA sets priorities and develops international environmental law, shaping global actions on issues like climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
Q3. What are the main objectives of the wildfire resolution?
Answer: Key objectives include enhancing global cooperation, shifting to preventive strategies, building capacity, and integrating climate action with biodiversity protection.
Q4. Why are wildfires increasing in frequency and intensity?
Answer: Factors such as climate change, deforestation, and changes in land use contribute to the rising frequency and severity of wildfires across various regions.
Q5. What role does India play in global environmental governance?
Answer: India actively participates in international environmental diplomacy, leading initiatives for clean energy, biodiversity, and disaster risk reduction, enhancing its global influence.
Question 1: What does the UNEA focus on?
A) Economic policies
B) Environmental issues
C) Military cooperation
D) Trade agreements
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What is a key objective of India's wildfire resolution?
A) Promote international tourism
B) Enhance global cooperation on wildfire management
C) Increase fossil fuel usage
D) Reduce international trade barriers
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which organization released the report “Spreading Like Wildfire”?
A) WHO
B) UNEP
C) WTO
D) IMF
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: How much is wildfire incidence projected to increase by 2050 according to UNEP?
A) 10%
B) 20%
C) 30%
D) 40%
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What is one of the preventive strategies suggested in the resolution?
A) Increased logging
B) Early warning systems
C) Chemical firefighting
D) Building more roads
Correct Answer: B
Kutos : AI Assistant!
