As wildfires scorch the earth, the Arctic biome rejects more carbon, Pg 22

Key Highlights

Wildfire Impact & Global Carbon Emissions

• Wildfires in 2025 released 800,000 tonnes of carbon in January alone, 4x the amount from a decade ago.
• U.S. (Texas, Oklahoma, California), and Japan faced severe fires, causing mass evacuations and ecosystem damage.

Arctic Turning into Carbon Source

• The Arctic Boreal Zone (ABZ), once a carbon sink, is now emitting more carbon than it absorbs.
• ABZ includes vast coniferous forests and permafrost, which are losing carbon storage capacity due to global warming and wildfires.

Study Findings & Regional Trends

• Study in Nature Climate Change shows:
  • Alaska accounts for 40% of Arctic fire emissions,
  • Northern Europe and Siberia ~25–33%.
  • Seasonal shift: Most Arctic wildfires now occur in warmer months (June to September).

Warming Trends & Climate Feedback Loop

• Rising average surface temperature in India:
  • 0.3–0.5°C per decade in northern areas
  • 0.2–0.4°C per decade in peninsular India
  • Thawing permafrost releases stored carbon as soils decompose, creating a feedback loop of warming and emissions.
• This weakens the Arctic carbon sink and accelerates climate change globally.

Analysis & Way Forward

• Findings highlight an urgent climate tipping point, where traditional carbon sinks like the Arctic are failing.
• Policy actions must include:
  • Global emission cuts,
  • Wildfire management, and
  • International climate cooperation on Arctic resilience.

Mains Mock Question:

"Discuss the role of natural carbon sinks in mitigating climate change. How does the transition of the Arctic Boreal Zone into a carbon source impact global climate efforts?"