India’s Resolution on ‘Strengthening the Global Management of Wildfires’ Adopted at UNEA-7

India’s resolution on “Strengthening the Global Management of Wildfires” was adopted at the 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) held in Nairobi, Kenya. The adoption reflects broad international consensus on the growing global threat posed by wildfires and the need for coordinated international action.

Why Wildfires Are a Global Concern

• Wildfires are no longer seasonal or localized events; they are becoming frequent, prolonged, and more intense
• Key drivers include:
  • Climate change
  • Rising global temperatures
  • Extended droughts
  • Human activities
• Annual impacts include:
  • Destruction of forests and biodiversity
  • Damage to soil health, water resources, and air quality
  • Loss of livelihoods, especially for forest-dependent communities
  • Release of large volumes of greenhouse gases, weakening global carbon sinks

India cited UNEP’s report “Spreading Like Wildfire”, which projects:

• 14% increase in wildfires by 2030
• 30% increase by 2050
• 50% increase by 2100

These projections underscore wildfires as a long-term, climate-driven global risk.

United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA)

Established:

• 2012, following the UN General Assembly decision to strengthen and upgrade the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
• UNEA replaced the earlier Governing Council of UNEP, giving universal membership to all UN Member States

Headquarters:

• Nairobi, Kenya
• UNEA functions from the UNEP Headquarters, making it the only UN headquarters located in Africa