Nepal, April 16 -- With the onset of the dry season, Nepal's forests undergo a transition from carbon sinks to carbon sources, emitting significant amounts of carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas. Recent forest fire tragedies, like the devastating blaze in Dolpa district claiming six lives, including three soldiers from the Nepal Army and three children, underscore the gravity of the situation. Inhaling the dense, dark smoke, where Air Quality Index (AQI) levels frequently exceed dangerous thresholds, exposes us to various health hazards. These risks include respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, significantly affecting individuals' mental and psychological well-being.

In Nepal, narratives on forest fires generally revolve around t...