Impacts of Climate Change in the Himalayas

More than a billion people directly depend on the Himalayas for survival. And while Climate Change is global and can affect the entire planet, the immediate repercussions are local. In the Himalayas, it will adversely affect habitats and ecosystems and endanger the very existence of life not just in the adjoining areas of these mountains but also everyone living below in the plains. It is at an alarming rate that Climate Change is taking place and is likely to exert more pressure on natural resources and the environment. The core causes are associated with rapid urbanization, industrialization, and economic development.

The impacts will be catastrophic.

On Economy
Developing countries are most vulnerable to the economic impacts of climate change. The increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events can have serious economic consequences. The impact of climate change on agriculture and the fragile ecosystems in Nepal will have a direct impact on agricultural productivity and tourism, and consequently on the country's economy.

On Agriculture
Over two-thirds of Nepal's population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Farmers follow traditional agricultural patterns, relying on rainwater and seasons. Changes in local and regional temperatures, the form and amount of precipitation, rainfall patterns, soil moisture content, and sunshine and cloudiness threaten traditional agriculture in Nepal. Moreover, climate change will increase the occurrence of extreme events like floods, droughts and hailstorms, which can also have a drastic effect on agriculture. Rising temperatures and increased rainfall may also lead to more pests and weeds, which will reduce agricultural productivity.

On Freshwater
The total amount of water flowing from the Himalayas to the plains, and then on to the Indian subcontinent is estimated to be about 8.6 million cubic meters per year. This water supports approximately more than a billion people. Decreases in snow accumulation and glacial retreat might lead to acute water shortages in the future.

On Health
Climate change will affect people’s health both directly and indirectly. Heat stress and other heat related health problems are caused directly by very warm temperatures and high humidity. Similarly, warmer climatic condition may cause a sharp increase in the spread of vector borne diseases like malaria, dengue, yellow fever and encephalitis.

On Glaciers
Almost 67% of the glaciers in the Himalayas have retreated and in Nepal, this process is as rapid as 10m a year. In the future, this will result in water scarcity in Nepal and for more than a billion people living downstream who depend on glaciers and snow as a source of fresh water. Nepal has 3,000 glaciers and 2,000 glacial lakes out of which 20 Lakes are at risk of bursting. Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) have already experienced many Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). GLOFs can have a devastating impact on people, livestock, forests, farms and infrastructure.

On Forests
Forests cover almost 29 per cent of Nepal. They absorb and store carbon dioxide. When trees are cut down and burnt, carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere. Forests play a critical role in balancing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, helping to minimize the impact of climate change. The rapidly changing conditions caused by climate change make plant species more vulnerable to disease and pests, contributing to the degradation and fragmentation of forests.

On Biodiversity
Climate change will alter the world’s habitats and ecosystems. Climate change will alter the fragile ecosystems of the Himalayas. As it warms up, vegetation and wildlife will move to higher altitudes. This change will upset the ecosystem balance and seriously endanger the survival of many plant and animal species. Rapid climate change will not give plants and animals enough time to adapt to the new situation. Biodiversity loss, besides the immediate impact on species, will affect the health, wellbeing and livelihoods of the people who rely on such resources.

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