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Maharjan, A; Tuladhar, S; Hussain, A; Mishra, A; Bhadwal, S; Ishaq, S; Saeed, BA; Sachdeva, I; Ahmad, B; Ferdous, J; Hassan, SMT (2021). 'Can Labour Migration Help Households Adapt to Climate Change? Evidence from Four River Basins in South Asia.' In Climate and Development: 1-16 DOI: 10.1080/17565529.2020.1867044.
The dependence of communities in the Hindu Kush Himalaya on natural resources-based livelihoods makes the region particularly vulnerable to adverse climate change impacts. We analysed the determinants of household adaptation in four river basins (Gandaki, Indus, Upper Ganga, and Teesta), including migration, in three sectors: agriculture, livestock, and water. We found that household adaptation to the negative effects of climate change is very poor in the region. Migration influences household adaptation indirectly through livelihood diversification, access to services provided by external stakeholders, and changes in household composition. We identified location, access to climate information, and services provided by external stakeholders as important factors in household adaptation to climate change.
Nie, Y; Pritchard, HD; Liu, Q; Hennig, T; Wang, W; Wang, X; Liu, S; Nepal, S; Samyn, D; Hewitt, K; Chen, X (2021). 'Glacial Change and Hydrological Implications in the Himalaya and Karakoram.' In Nature Reviews Earth & Environment DOI: 10.1038/s43017-020-00124-w.
Shrestha, MS; Gurung, MB; Khadgi, VR; Wagle, N; Banarjee, S; Sherchan, U; Parajuli, B; Mishra, A (2021). 'The Last Mile: Flood Risk Communication for Better Preparedness in Nepal.' In International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction 56: 102118 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2021.102118.
Over the last decade, several flood early warning systems have been established in Nepal, but there are still challenges in communicating flood warning to the most vulnerable. The unavailability of real-time monitoring in smaller streams and tributaries has created challenges for communicating early warning. We use the Alexander framework to identify gaps in flood early warning communication in relation to their technical, institutional, and socio-cultural components. We conducted qualitative research methods in the form of key informant interviews and on-site focus group discussions to collect data, taking Ratu watershed as a case study. We conclude that, first, integration of socio-cultural aspects that can make early warning information accessible to the most vulnerable has to be strengthened. Second, warning messages need to be co-designed with communities and tailored to meet their diverse needs. Finally, for flood risk communication to reach the most vulnerable, we must consider distinct social, economic, and political experiences in both content and delivery of the information.
Vaidya, RA; Molden, DJ; Shrestha, AB; Wagle, N; Tortajada, C (2021). 'The Role of Hydropower in South Asia’s Energy Future.' In International Journal of Water Resources Development: 1-25 DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2021.1875809.
With rising energy demand in Asia, the high potential for hydropower development and the need for low-carbon energy development, hydropower would seem to have a significant role in South Asia’s energy future. However, the extent of hydropower development will depend on several risk factors, including the cost of alternative energy sources, the environmental sustainability of hydropower and social issues of equitable development. Using a risk-analysis framework, we concluded that the future of hydropower will depend on how well policies and institutions manage the risks, facilitate efficient financial markets, and promote fair and friendly cross-border electricity trade.
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