Indicators of climate change in the middle Himalaya - A rapid inventory - Current Science

The responses or coping strategies initiated by mountain communities to deal with these changes were noted in the study.
Updated on
1 min read

This article published in the journal Current Science presents the findings of a study that aimed at developing a rapid inventory on the impact of the recent climatic changes on the ecosystem, flora and fauna of the Himalayan region with a special emphasis on livelihoods.  

The study depended on personal interviews conducted across 42 households among villages in the area using an open-ended questionnaire. The study found that the impact of climate change was largely felt in the following areas:

  • Increase in invasive species (especially, L.Camara and Eupatoriun spp.)
  • Early flowering of wild (especially, Rhododendron and Myrica)as well as cultivated plants, especially horticulture crops
  • Erratic rainfall pattern with increasing winter aridity and a shift in peak rainfall time from July/August to August/September
  • Reduction in crop yield, especially in traditional crops such as potatoes, peas, beans, ginger and yam.

The study concludes by stating the need for:

  • Systematic monitoring, documentation and research on the impact of climate change on natural resources
  • Further analysis of existing indicators on climate change impacts on natural resources
  • Development of strategies based on four-tier adaptation structures incorporating global, national, regional and local linkages
  • Development of adaptation strategies involving education of the communities on how to cope with the changes occurring in their immediate environments

Click here to read the entire article

Attachment
PDF
Indicators_of_climate_change_in_the_middle_Himalaya__A_rapid_inventory_Current_Science_2011.pdf
Preview

Related Stories

No stories found.
India Water Portal
www.indiawaterportal.org