Impact of Climate Change on the Region of Himalayan Mountain Ecosystems: A Critical Study

Abstract

This article presents an overview of climate change impacts on agriculture, water and forest ecosystems in the western Himalayan Mountains based on literature review and some anecdotal evidences. A great deal of research work has been carried out on different aspects of western Himalayan mountain ecosystems but the findings have yet to be correlated in the context of climate change. There is a need to strengthen climate data collection network which is presently insufficient to meet the requirement of climate change research. The climate data in the region is scarce and in many instances does not involve uniform methodology and standard instrumentation. The data reliability thus is uncertain as the data are based on crude collection methods without quality control. Climate change impacts also need to be categorized according to various climatic elements viz., rainfall, temperature, CO2 concentration, etc. Coordinated efforts are required for adaptation and mitigation as the vulnerable mountain ecosystems and communities are likely to face greater risk of climate change impacts than other ecosystems. Research and documentation is also required to validate the indigenous methods of adaptations and coping up mechanisms. Capacities of communities have to be enhanced and strategies are to be developed for adaptation to climate change. There is also a need to network with other potential players in this subject to utilize the synergy in the best interest of survival, and ensuring livelihood security of the inhabitants of the region and that of the adjacent lowlands. The balance between economic interests and ecological imperatives is also essential