The Changing Himalayas : Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources and Livelihoods in the Greater Himalayas (2009)
ISBN: 978 92 9115 111 0
Language: English
NOTE: Readers are requested to refer to the original publications in order to find the correct order of names of authors/editors and publishers.
Keywords: Natural resource and environment; Himalayas; Climate change; Water resources; Livelihoods; Natural disasters;
Subjects: Climate Change; Cryosphere; Hazards and Disaster; Wetlands; Mountain Agenda/policies; Natural resource management; Mountain livelihoods
Abstract
The greater Himalayan region contains the largest areas covered by glaciers and permafrost outside the polar regions. The region and its water resources play an important role in global atmospheric circulation, biodiversity, agriculture, and hydropower, while serving more than 1.3 billion people in the basin areas of ten large Asian rivers. Climate change is affecting the amount of snow and ice and rainfall patterns, but there is a severe lack of the data needed to understand these processes. This paper discusses these issues, the need to close the knowledge gap, the need for adaptation strategies, and the importance of strengthening local knowledge and the institutions relevant for adaptation.
The greater Himalayan region contains the largest areas covered by glaciers and permafrost outside the polar regions. The region and its water resources play an important role in global atmospheric circulation, biodiversity, agriculture, and hydropower, while serving more than 1.3 billion people in the basin areas of ten large Asian rivers. Climate change is affecting the amount of snow and ice and rainfall patterns, but there is a severe lack of the data needed to understand these processes. This paper discusses these issues, the need to close the knowledge gap, the need for adaptation strategies, and the importance of strengthening local knowledge and the institutions relevant for adaptation.
