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

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

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