Climate Change
Impacts, Responses and Sustainability in the Indian Himalaya
- 2022
- Book
- Editors
- Prof. Dr. Seema Rani
- Ph.D. Rajesh Kumar
- Book Series
- Springer Climate
- Publisher
- Springer International Publishing
About this book
This book provides the world community with the most up-to-date and comprehensive scientific and technical knowledge based on climate change impact assessment, adaptation and mitigation strategies in the Indian Himalayan region. It identifies major issues related to climate change on environmental sustainability, focusing on impact measurement, policy, adaptation and mitigation strategies at national, regional and local scales. There is a need to strengthen the global response in order to cope with the threat of climate change. The main objective of this book is to update the understanding of scientific analysis and to promote evidence-based policy formulation at regional and local levels. This book on climate change is used as a reference material to climate change for new learners interested in the mountainous region of the Indian Himalayas. This comprehensive book covers a wide range of potential research areas including climate change scenarios, science and its applications, adaptation to climate change theory and assessment, water resources, agriculture, human health, forest, biodiversity, ecosystems, indigenous knowledge, etc.
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Table of Contents
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Frontmatter
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Chapter 1. Climate Change, Its Impacts, and Sustainability Issues in the Indian Himalaya: An Introduction
Seema Rani, Rajesh Kumar, Pyarimohan MaharanaThis chapter delves into the critical issue of climate change and its multifaceted impacts on the Indian Himalayan Region. It begins by contextualizing the global efforts towards sustainable development, with a focus on climate action as a key goal. The chapter then highlights the specific threats posed by climate change to the Himalayan region, including warming temperatures, glacial recession, and increased frequency of natural disasters. It emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary studies involving geosciences, ecology, and social sciences to assess these impacts effectively. The chapter also discusses the use of advanced methodologies such as trend analysis of climate data and geospatial technology for assessing the impact on forest ecosystems and glacial outburst floods. Furthermore, it explores the economic and policy dimensions, stressing the importance of planning and policies related to climate change adaptation. The chapter concludes by summarizing the book's scope and the need for further research in this vital area.AI Generated
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AbstractClimate change poses threats to humans and brings the toughest challenges for economic development in the twenty-first century. The scientific communities warn the world leaders regarding the threats of climate change and its inevitable impacts on the physical and cultural environment. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported global warming of 1.5 °C which is a matter of great concern for all the stakeholders around the world. The manifestation of recent climate change is increasing flooding events, shrinking of the cryosphere (mass loss from ice sheets/glaciers, reductions in snow cover), vegetation changes, and loss of biodiversity which are having adverse effects on available resources and aesthetic/cultural aspects of the Indian Himalayas (IH). Hence, it is imperative to study the impacts and responses of the mountainous region towards climate change for sustainable planning and adaptability. This chapter aims to review the scientific works on emerging trends in climate change, its impacts, and sustainability issues in the IH. The review work suggests the need for more research on innovative ideas for better adaptation and to combat the increasingly adverse impacts of climate change. -
Chapter 2. Variability and Trends in Temperature, Rainfall, and Discharge in a Western Himalayan Catchment
Omvir Singh, Milap Chand SharmaThe chapter examines the complex interplay between climate change and water resources in the Parbati catchment of the western Himalayas. It delves into the historical trends of temperature, rainfall, and discharge from 1968 to 2005, revealing significant increases in temperature and decreases in discharge. The study underscores the critical role of glaciers and snowmelt in maintaining river flow and highlights the potential impacts of climate change on water availability and hydropower production. The analysis also points to the need for long-term monitoring and adaptive management strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on water resources.AI Generated
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AbstractTemperature, radiation, precipitation, and stream flow are all critical climatic variables that affect the ecosystem. Understanding the complex mechanisms involved in climate change is a concern for scientists because it is likely to exacerbate current food shortages and issues with irrigated agricultural systems across the world. Therefore, the current research aims to quantify the long-term variability and patterns in temperature, rainfall, and discharge in a catchment of the western Himalayan region in the state of Himachal Pradesh over a four-decade period. Temperature, rainfall, and discharge trends were studied using Mann–Kendall and simple linear regression models. The investigation revealed that the rainfall amount in the catchment has not changed significantly during different seasons as well as annually. However, temperature trends in the basin demonstrated a slight increase during all the seasons but only the winter season temperature has demonstrated a significant positive change. Conversely, these warming reflections on the water discharge have not been observed accordingly and a significant decline was detected in the annual, seasonal as well as monthly streamflow pattern of the catchment. The shifting nature of rainfall, less snow cover in the lower and middle reaches, and thinning of small glaciers and ice patches over the study period can all be blamed for the decreasing discharge. This reduction in streamflow will influence the hydropower production in the upstream parts and agricultural activities in the downstream areas and thus affecting local as well as the national economy. -
Chapter 3. Tree-Ring-Based Hydrological Records Reconstructions of the Himalayan Rivers: Challenges and Opportunities
Mayank Shekhar, Parminder Singh Ranhotra, Amalava Bhattacharyya, Ayushi Singh, Rupesh Dhyani, Shaktiman SinghThe chapter delves into the significance of tree-ring data for reconstructing hydrological records in the Himalayan region, which is crucial for understanding the water availability and managing water resources. It discusses the methodologies used for establishing tree growth and streamflow relationships, the challenges faced in this process, and the potential for extending historical records. The chapter also explores the limitations and future roadmap for dendrohydrology in the context of climate change and anthropogenic activities. Additionally, it highlights the need for further research and the collection of tree-ring samples to improve the accuracy and reliability of hydrological reconstructions.AI Generated
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AbstractHimalayan rivers play a significant role in the survival of the vast population of the Indian subcontinent. Information on the long-term spatio-temporal hydrological variability is required for hydropower generation, irrigation, and flood management. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand the long-term perspective of the flow of these rivers (also considered as streamflow) which could only be achieved based on proxy data analysis in the absence of observed data. Tree-rings provide an excellent proxy of streamflow to understand the hydrologic variations for a long past beyond the existing instrumental records. The logic behind developing the relationship between tree growth and streamflow is the common climatic factors, mainly precipitation and evapotranspiration controlling the tree growth and streamflow. Here, this chapter presents a review of the available information of tree-ring-based streamflow records and flood events from some of the Himalayan rivers along with fundamental principles followed for the analysis of discharge reconstructions. -
Chapter 4. Hydroclimatic and Glacial Variabilities in the Himalayan and Tibetan Regions Since Last Glacial Maxima: A Synthesis
Ipsita Roy, Nidhi Tomar, Ayushi Singh, Mayank Shekhar, Parminder Singh Ranhotra, Amalava Bhattacharyya, Yogesh K. SharmaThe chapter delves into the complex dynamics of hydroclimatic and glacial variabilities in the Himalayan and Tibetan regions since the Last Glacial Maxima. It synthesizes significant studies to understand the role of the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM), Western Disturbances (WD), and East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM) in shaping the climate of these regions. The use of biotic (pollen-spore) and abiotic (δ13C and δ18O) proxies from sedimentary and speleothem archives provides valuable insights into the past climate conditions. The chapter also discusses the impacts of climate change on vegetation dynamics and glacier behavior, highlighting the importance of understanding these changes for future hydrological and ecological management. By comparing different precipitation regimes and their influences, the chapter offers a nuanced understanding of the climate variabilities and their mechanisms, making it a crucial resource for specialists in the field.AI Generated
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AbstractHydroclimatic conditions of the Himalayan–Tibetan region have been studied to understand their impacts on the vegetation and glacial dynamics since the Last Glacial Maxima by referring to published datasets pan India and China. Though the signatures of major climatic events are reported globally, their intensity and behavior vary across different precipitation regimes. Here, the emphasis has been laid on the past climate records from Indian Summer Monsoon, Western Disturbances, and East Asian Summer Monsoon dominant regions of the Himalayas and Tibet, captured by the sedimentary and speleothem proxy archives. Review showed a cold-arid Last Glacial Maxima (~20 ka BP) which ameliorated ca. 15–12.5 ka BP (Bølling–Allerød) with intermittent dry events. The Pleistocene/Holocene transition (ca. 11.7 ka BP) recorded a decline in precipitation with a conspicuous increase at ca. 11.5 ka BP as reported from the Tibetan Plateau. Short-lived climate events were found less pronounced with asynchrony observed regionally in the time-periods of Medieval Climatic Anomaly and Little Ice Age. Further comparison of biotic and abiotic proxies suggested their differential behavior in different precipitation regimes. Finer-resolution pollen-spore frequency datasets would be helpful to delineate the abrupt and short-lived climatic phases following the annually resolved speleothem records. -
Chapter 5. Recession of Gaglu Glacier, Chandra Basin, Western Indian Himalaya
Rupendra Singh, Rajesh Kumar, Syed Umer Latief, Rajesh Kumar, Mayank ShekharThe chapter delves into the recession of the Gaglu Glacier in the Chandra Basin of the Western Indian Himalaya, highlighting its significant role in the regional water system. It discusses the historical instrumental weather records indicating an increase in temperature and a decrease in monsoonal precipitation, contributing to the glacier's retreat. The study employs multi-temporal optical remote sensing images and digital elevation models to quantify the glacier's dynamics, including its glaciated area, equilibrium line altitude, and snout retreat. Notably, the chapter compares the retreat rates and area loss of the Gaglu Glacier with other glaciers in the region, providing valuable insights into the broader impact of climate change on Himalayan glaciers.AI Generated
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AbstractOutside the polar regions, the Himalayan region has a large number of glaciers which are considered the primary source of water for the major perennial rivers of northern India. These glaciers are under threat due to ongoing climate change. The Gaglu glacier located in the Chandra river basin of Western Himalaya was studied using satellite data and ground-based field validation. During 1973–2017, the Gaglu glacier has shown a total retreat of 523.04 m with an average annual rate of 11.89 ma−1 and vacated an area of 432 × 103 m2 in its frontal part. The time-series map prepared using satellite data of the intervening period indicates a variable rate of recession. The continuous recession of the glacier is attributed to the rising mean brightness surface temperature of the order of 0.06°Ca−1 during 1989–2015 and mean annual temperature is rising at a rate of 0.021°Ca−1 during 1979–2017. A rise in surface temperature causes equilibrium line altitude (ELA) to shift at a higher altitude, which increases the ablation area of a glacier. The terminus of the glacier is also highly sensitive to a rise in temperature. Hence, an increase in mean brightness temperature of the Gaglu glacier and mean annual temperature are the main causal factors for thinning of the glacier, causing enhanced snout retreat and increasing ELA elevation. -
Chapter 6. Holocene Climate and Glacial Extents in the Gangotri Valley, Garhwal Himalaya, India: A Review
Parminder Singh Ranhotra, Mayank Shekhar, Ipsita Roy, Amalava BhattacharyyaThis chapter explores the intricate relationship between Holocene climate and glacial extents in the Gangotri Valley, Garhwal Himalaya, India. It delves into the climatic phases and their impact on glacier dynamics, leveraging proxy data analyses and field mapping. The study area, Gangotri Valley, is characterized by its significant glaciated regions and their influence on the Asian summer monsoon system and winter westerlies. The chapter discusses the reconstructed climatic phases and their correlation with glacial stages, highlighting the spatial variation in annual precipitation and the debate surrounding the drivers of glacial advancements. It also presents a detailed chronology of sedimentary sequences and their palynological records, which reveal the vegetation and climate history of the region. The chapter concludes by comparing the glacial records from the Gangotri Valley with those from other Himalayan regions, providing a holistic view of glacial dynamics and climate-glacial interactions.AI Generated
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AbstractThe Himalayan glaciers being influenced by different precipitation regimes, needs an understanding of their response to climatic changes. Instrumental monitoring of some Himalayan glaciers shows a continuous negative mass balance and retreat due to recent warming. Here, the study discusses the previously established glacial stages within the Gangotri valley (Western Indian Himalaya) concerning climatic changes during Holocene. Palynology-based climate reconstructions from the Gangotri valley showed intermittent cool phases ca. 8.3 ka, 2 ka, 1 ka and 0.8–0.2 ka. During the early Holocene, the Gangotri glacier snout was probably much downstream from its present position (~3980 m above mean sea level (AMSL)), but the lateral height of the glacier remained lower than the sampling point altitudes (~4300 and ~4000 m AMSL). Documented Kedar Glacial Stage ca. 7 ka might be the end stage of a transient cool event ca. 8.3–7.1 ka. Subsequent paraglacial activity coincided with the warm phase. Shivling advance ca. 5 ka needs to be resolved climatically due to poor time resolution and age constraints. However, studies from other regions analogue the glacier extent at ~3300 to 3500 m AMSL between 7 and 5 ka. Two short-lived glacial stages, Gangotri and Bhojbasa, show respective concomitance with warm and cool conditions ca. 1 ka and 0.8–0.2 ka, later coincide with Little Ice Age (LIA). Recorded glacial stages in the valley fairly correspond with cool phases when winter westerlies were strong. -
Chapter 7. Flood Hazards in the Jhelum River Are Mainly Controlled by the Piggyback Thrusting of the Kashmir Basin and Less so by Factors like Climate Change and Urbanization
A. A. Shah, Navakanesh M. Batmanathan, Asiya Qadir, Rajesh KumarThe chapter examines the primary factors controlling flood hazards in the Jhelum River, emphasizing the significant role of the Kashmir Basin's geological and tectonic settings. Utilizing 30-m spatial resolution shuttle radar topography, the study maps drainage patterns and longitudinal river profiles, revealing that the river's development is largely dictated by bedrock geology and faulting. The topographic profiles indicate prominent tilting toward the northeast, suggesting structural control by reverse fault ramps. The Jhelum River's asymmetrical watershed and abrupt turns are strongly influenced by active fault systems, providing insights into the complex interplay between tectonics and flooding. The chapter highlights the importance of understanding these geological factors in predicting and mitigating flood hazards, offering a unique perspective that transcends the conventional focus on climate change and urbanization.AI Generated
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AbstractHistorical data suggest that flood hazards in the Kashmir basin, located in the Indian portion of the NW Himalaya, are not new, and some of the major flood hazards have turned into disasters in the past, which questions the studies that exclusively relate the flood hazards in the Kashmir basin to factors like urbanization and climate change. The past studies also suggest that one of the grossly overlooked factors is the role of the geological and structural setting of the piggyback Kashmir basin in flood hazards. Therefore, the present work was aimed to review the previous works on the structural setting of the basin with the main focus on the flood river hazards in the Jhelum River. We have used 30-m spatial resolution shuttle radar topography, bedrock geology, drainage pattern, topographic profile, and knick point data to investigate the formation and development of the river. These data are related to the historical and previously published data on floods to understand the dominant factor that controls the flood hazards in the Kashmir basin. The present study suggests that structurally piggyback basin development is the single-most-important cause of drainage development, asymmetrical nature of Jhelum watershed, tilting, and formation of the Jhelum River, which are directly controlling the behavior of flooding and flood hazards in the basin. Although the climate- and urbanization-based arguments are important aspects that do contribute toward the flood hazards, however, the historical and contemporary data on the magnitude and intensity of flood hazards in the Kashmir basin in the combination with our new data suggest that flood hazards have occurred in the past when these factors were not part of the standard scientific discourse on floods. -
Chapter 8. Climate-Induced Glacier Retreats and Associated Hazards: Need for Robust Glaciers and Glacial Lake Management Policy in Sikkim Himalaya, India
R. K. Sharma, Rajesh Kumar, Pranay Pradhan, Arpan SharmaThe chapter focuses on the critical issue of climate-induced glacier retreats in the Sikkim Himalaya, a region vital for freshwater resources. It discusses the significant glacier coverage and the impact of climate change on these glaciers, leading to the formation and expansion of glacial lakes. The study highlights the potential risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and the urgent need for robust glacier and glacial lake management policies. It also explores the scientific gaps and challenges in understanding these processes, emphasizing the necessity for further research and effective adaptation strategies.AI Generated
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AbstractHimalayan glaciers, the freshwater tower of South and East Asia, are strongly affected by climate change impacts. The rapid melting of glaciers due to climate warming has resulted in the formation and expansion of many glacial lakes in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), which has posed the threat of glacial lake outburst floods. Sikkim Himalaya, an important part of Eastern IHR, possesses 84 glaciers and 14 potentially dangerous glacial lakes. However, the in situ-based study on the glaciers and glacial lakes dynamics is limited in the region due to the minimal capacity of human resources and remote and rugged terrain of glaciers. More importantly, there is a lack of glacier protection laws and glacial lake management plans to cope with climate-induced effects and hazards. The present study critically reviews glaciological researches and examines the scientific gaps and challenges controlling the research and management of glaciers and glacial lakes in Sikkim Himalaya. Further, the scientific suggestions and recommendations placed in the present study can be vital elements to frame effective climate change policy required for investigation, adaptation, and mitigations against adverse climate change impacts. -
Chapter 9. Trends in Observed Discharge (1963–2012) at Rampur Hydrological Station of Satluj River Basin, Western Indian Himalaya
Riyaz Ahmad Mir, Sanjay K. JainThe chapter delves into the analysis of river discharge trends in the Satluj River basin of the Western Indian Himalaya over a 50-year period. It employs statistical methods such as the Mann–Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimator to evaluate trends in annual and seasonal discharge. The study reveals significant declining trends in river discharge, which are attributed to climate change and glacier retreat. The findings underscore the critical importance of sustainable water resource management in the region, highlighting the need for strategic policies to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on river ecosystems and dependent communities.AI Generated
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AbstractTrend analysis of river discharge of Himalayan basins is essential for water resource management and policymaking because of emerging climate change. In this study, trends in the observed discharge (Rampur hydrological station −1021 m AMSL) of the Satluj River in the Western Indian Himalaya (WIH) over 5 decades (1963–2012) were evaluated. The data were classified into average annual discharge (AAD), minimum annual discharge (MnAD), maximum annual discharge (MxAD), average winter discharge (AWD), average pre-monsoon discharge (APrD), average monsoon discharge (AMD), average post-monsoon discharge (APoD), average accumulation discharge (AAcD), and average ablation discharge (AAbD) as per the prevailing climatic conditions of the basin. The Sen’s slope and Mann–Kendall tests were used for identifying the direction, magnitude (Qi), and significance (Zs) of trends. The findings indicated declining trends in annual and seasonal discharge during the last 5 decades (50 years). The trends were statistically significant (95% confidence) for AAD, MxAD, AMD, APoD, and AAbD. The discharge is declining at a rate of 0.60 m3 s−1 year−1 (AAD), 1.98 m3 s−1 year−1 (MxAD), 1.78 m3 s−1 year−1 (AMD), 0.56m3 s−1 year−1 (APoD), and 1.0 m3 s−1 year−1 (AAbD). The highest and lowest decline is observed in MxAD and APoD during the study period. The AAD is strongly correlated (R2) and controlled by the AAbD (0.99), AMD (0.91), APoD (0.58), APrD (0.50), AAcD (0.46), and AWD (0.31). Nevertheless, there exists a sequential pattern in the decline of annual and seasonal discharge in terms of R2, Qi, and Zs values. The declining discharge at the station may have serious implications for water resource management and policymaking in the area. -
Chapter 10. Climate Change and Its Impact on Forest of Indian Himalayan Region: A Review
Amit Kumar Tripathi, Prem Chandra Pandey, Jyoti Kumar Sharma, Dimitris Triantakonstantis, Prashant K. SrivastavaThe chapter explores the profound impacts of climate change on the forest ecosystems of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). It discusses the significant shifts in temperature and rainfall patterns, which are altering the distribution and phenology of plant species. The chapter also highlights the potential threats to biodiversity, including habitat loss and the expansion of invasive species. Additionally, it delves into the specific impacts on key forest types, such as sal forests and orchards, and the implications for wildlife species. The review emphasizes the urgent need for conservation strategies and further research to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on these fragile ecosystems.AI Generated
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AbstractThe Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) forms the northern boundary of India covering an area of about 5.3 lakh km2, which constitutes 16.2% of the total geographical area. The region is remarkable for its diversity of plants and animals and provides abundant ecosystem services to people. The Indian Himalayas (IH) is richly endowed with forest resources and supports different types of forest ecosystems along with varied topography. In addition to anthropogenic factors, the forests of IH are under pressure due to changing climate. There are several pieces of evidence of significant changes in temperature, precipitation, and vegetation phenology in IHR. Climate change (CC) has a significant impact on forest ecosystems of IH which results in the upward movement of several plant species, and further changes are expected to cause the extinction of species. Due to changing climatic conditions in IHR, possibly some of the locations may become more favorable to alien invasive species causing negative impacts on native plants. Changing temperature and rainfall in the region have caused phenological changes in many economically and ecologically important plant species like Rhododendron sp., Myrica esculenta, Pinus wallichiana, etc. As a result of which these species are shifting towards higher elevations to cope up with altered climate. A significant reduction in suitable habitat and the massive decline in the population of animal species due to climate change is also predicted. The studies carried out in IHR indicated shifts in vegetation types across IHR from moderate to large scale. Higher elevation Himalayan temperate forests, subalpine forests, and alpine forests are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change while Sal forests are predicted to shift towards the north-eastern region. Western Himalayan forests are highly susceptible to changing climate while eastern Himalayan forests are estimated to be more resilient. -
Chapter 11. Climate Change and Its Impact on Indian Himalayan Forests: Current Status and Research Needs
Hukum Singh, Manoj KumarThe chapter delves into the profound impacts of climate change on the Indian Himalayan forests, a global biodiversity hotspot. It discusses the rising temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions, which are causing significant shifts in species distribution, phenology, and ecosystem boundaries. The text emphasizes the urgent need for systematic, long-term observations to understand and predict these changes. It also highlights the vulnerability of endemic species and the potential impacts on ecosystem services. The chapter concludes by identifying key research areas and questions that need to be addressed to ensure the sustainability of the Himalayan forest ecosystem under climate change.AI Generated
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AbstractClimate change is affecting global natural resources, including forests. It has also affected the Indian Himalayan forests by influencing ecosystem services derived from it. The majority of the Indian population depends directly or indirectly on these services, ultimately affecting Himalayan communities. The climate change impacts may alter the structure, function, and composition of the Himalayan forest and are expected to influence the region's biodiversity. The assessment suggests a more significant rise in temperature of the western parts compared to the eastern part of the Indian Himalayas. Climate change effects are manifested as species range shift, phenological changes, changes in growth patterns, host-parasite interactions, insect pest incidence, habitat adaptability, biogeochemical interactions, and plant-animal-resource interactions, and hydrological behavior, etc. This chapter focuses on the issues of climate change and its implications on the forest ecosystem of the Indian Himalayas. It also covers the key issues, research gaps, and future research needs for the region concerning climate change studies. The constructed state of knowledge about the climate change impacts may provide insight into the forest ecosystem of the region. It will help researchers and decision-makers to formulate and prioritize adaptation and mitigation-related research to reduce climate change effects in the present and future. -
Chapter 12. Assessment of Agroforestry Area and its Carbon Storage Potential Along Altitudes of Tehri Garhwal District, Uttarakhand, in North-Western Indian Himalaya
K. K. Vikrant, D. S. Chauhan, R. H. RizviThe chapter delves into the crucial role of agroforestry in the Indian economy through ecosystem services and carbon sequestration. It highlights the historical and contemporary significance of agroforestry practices, particularly in the Himalayan region. The study area, Tehri Garhwal district, is detailed with its agroclimatic zones and selected blocks for the assessment. The chapter emphasizes the need for understanding the carbon storage potential of agroforestry along different altitudes, a gap that this study aims to fill using remote sensing data. The potential for carbon sequestration and the impact of altitude on agroforestry practices are key topics, making this chapter essential for those interested in sustainable land use and climate change mitigation strategies.AI Generated
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AbstractAgroforestry is an integration of trees and crops on the same plot of land to escalate the sustainability and productivity of the farming system and its income. It is a form of land use management system of farming that is essential for the sustainable growth of the region. Hence, this present work has been carried out in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand which is located in the North-Western Indian Himalaya (NWIH) region. The sub-pixel classifier method was adopted for forest area assessment by using satellite remote sensing data (RS-2/LISS IV, 2014). Stratified random sampling was conducted in the study area for estimating agroforestry area and carbon storage potential. Non destructive and destructive methods were followed for biomass estimation. Carbon percentages were determined by the conversion factor. Results show that the highest area under agroforestry was observed in the middle latitude/sub-temperate zone (3707.36 ha) followed by the lower altitude/subtropical zone (2231.26 ha). Maximum carbon stock was comparatively higher at lower altitude (2.07 Mg ha−1) followed by middle altitude (1.63 Mg ha−1). It had contributed more agroforestry area and carbon stock as compared to other species which are mostly adopted by the farmers in agroforestry. It can be concluded that agroforestry acts a crucial role in climate change amelioration, soil enrichment, and improvement of the economic status of people’s livelihood of the state in the NWIH. -
Chapter 13. Climate Change: Concerns and Influences on Biodiversity of the Indian Himalayas
Damanjeet Kaur, Anupreet Singh Tiwana, Supinder Kaur, Saurabh GuptaThis chapter delves into the intricate relationship between climate change and the biodiversity of the Indian Himalayas. It begins by highlighting the immense biodiversity and geographical complexity of the Himalayas, which harbor a significant portion of the world's flora and fauna. The chapter then focuses on the causes and consequences of climate change, discussing how rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and other climatic changes are adversely affecting the region's unique ecosystems and species. It also explores the various threats to biodiversity, including deforestation, land use changes, and human-induced disturbances. Additionally, the chapter discusses the policies and initiatives undertaken by India to address these challenges, such as the National Environment Policy, National Action Plan on Climate Change, and National Biodiversity Action Plan. These policies aim to sustain and conserve the Himalayan ecosystems and their biodiversity, ensuring the long-term health and resilience of the region. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for continued research, conservation efforts, and effective policy implementation to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the Indian Himalayas' biodiversity.AI Generated
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AbstractThe Himalayas are a diverse and imperative center of biodiversity due to their immense climatic, topographic, and geographic ascents. The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) started from Siwaliks (foothills of the south) and extended up to Trans-Himalaya (Tibetan plateau in the north), covering 12 Indian states. The IHR harbors many rivulets, lakes, rivers, vegetation, and animal species thus serves as a rich repository of biodiversity due to its unique biogeography. Climate change impacts such as increasing temperature, melting glaciers, and extreme weather events are severely deteriorating the fragile ecosystem and natural resources of the Himalayas, thus inducing the loss of biodiversity at an alarming rate. Consequently, these are also altering the development, behavior, and interactions between different biological species. It leads to the adaptation of species by developing new traits or migration and even extinction of several species. The present chapter investigates the causes and consequences of continually varying climate conditions on the behavior and survival of the species in the IHR, along with various approaches to mitigate global climate change. -
Chapter 14. Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Lockdown for Sustainable Northwestern Himalayan Region
Shashi ShekharThe chapter 'Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Lockdown for Sustainable Northwestern Himalayan Region' delves into the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on air quality in the Northwestern Himalayan region, encompassing towns from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir. Utilizing satellite data from Sentinel-5P and ground-measured data, the study quantifies the reduction in key air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) during the lockdown period. The findings reveal a substantial decline in these pollutants, with notable reductions in the Absorbing Aerosol Index (AAI), NO2, and CO. The study underscores the significant role of anthropogenic activities and natural trans-boundary pollution in shaping the air quality of the region. By comparing pre-lockdown and lockdown periods, the chapter highlights the potential for sustainable emission policies to mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The research offers valuable insights for environmentalists and policymakers aiming to develop strategies for long-term air quality improvement and climate change mitigation in the region.AI Generated
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AbstractThis study tried to understand the changes in three air pollution parameters, namely absorbing aerosol index (AAI)—broadly referred to as dust and smoke, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) column number density in the Western Indian Himalayas during the COVID-19 lockdown. The study used Sentinel 5P data over a 50 km radius of 11 non-attainment cities (NACs) of Northwestern Indian Himalayan states (7 of Himachal Pradesh, 2 of Uttarakhand and 2 of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir) during the lockdown phase-1 (March 24–April 14, 2020) with respect to the pre-lockdown period (March 24–April 14, 2019). Ground-measured data on particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) has also been used for only 7 NACs of Himachal Pradesh for the lockdown phase-1 and pre-lockdown period. The average values of AAI, NO2 and CO around 11 towns have been reduced by 55%, 19% and 7%, respectively, during lockdown phase-1, compared to the pre-lockdown period. The satellite observation is further complemented through ground-monitored data on air pollution. In the seven NACs of Himachal Pradesh, NOx and PM10 mass concentrations have been substantially reduced during the March and April months of 2020 compared to the same months of 2019. This study would give an idea to environmentalists and policymakers to plan a sustainable emission policy to reduce the adverse impacts of air pollution on the physical aspects (e.g. snow and glaciers) of the Northwestern Himalayan region under the climate change conditions. -
Chapter 15. Exploring Methodological Approaches for Climate Perception Studies in Himalaya
Prachita Arora, S. Nawaz Ali, P. MorthekaiThis chapter delves into the critical role of public perception in understanding and addressing climate change, particularly in the Himalayan region. It highlights the vulnerability of marginalized communities and their valuable insights into climate variability. The text emphasizes the importance of climate perception surveys in policymaking and the need for systematic sampling techniques to gather accurate data. It also discusses the various methods and challenges involved in conducting these surveys, providing a detailed analysis of different sampling strategies and their applications. The chapter underscores the significance of incorporating local knowledge into climate change research and policy, making it a valuable resource for environmental scientists, climate researchers, and policymakers.AI Generated
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AbstractThere is a whopping disconnect between the stakeholders, policymakers, and the scientific community towards climate change, anthropogenic contribution, risks and mitigation, and adaptation strategies. Therefore, to understand public perception of climate change and look into possible solutions, it is important to conduct climate change perception surveys that directly involve the public/stakeholders. The primary aim of these surveys is to understand the small-scale variabilities in weather and climate. This also allows us to understand the people’s perceptions of critical changes and their willingness for a change when making choices. The perception studies are aimed at helping the policymakers to formulate better climate policies, by making them aware of the problems of locals. Since Himalayan dwellers are more susceptible to the adversities of climate change, documentation of their knowledge and opinions on climatic variability and its challenges becomes crucial. Therefore, it becomes important to conduct the surveys systematically. The present study provides a robust strategy to survey along with a brief description of the methodologies involved. -
Chapter 16. Climate Change-Related Governance and Policies in Indian Himalayas
Supinder Kaur, Damanjeet Kaur, Anupreet Singh Tiwana, Saurabh GuptaThe chapter delves into the critical ecological concerns of climate change, emphasizing the global attention it garners and the interlinked challenges of poverty reduction, development, and climate change mitigation. It discusses the governance structures and policies in India, focusing on the Indian Himalayas, where climate change impacts are pronounced. The text explores the impacts of climate change on the region, including glacier melting, biodiversity loss, and changes in temperature and rainfall patterns. It also highlights the various missions and policies implemented by the Indian government to address these issues, such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE). The chapter concludes by emphasizing the need for effective strategies to adapt and mitigate climate change in the region, despite the challenges faced.AI Generated
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AbstractClimate change is a serious concern that is posing a major threat to the environment and society throughout the globe. Some unexpected changes in climate, such as increased temperature, inconsistent rainfall, and other extreme meteorological conditions, are common. These eventually lead to prolonged periods of drought and floods which are deteriorating the natural resources. Consequently, the Government of India (GoI) is functioning at different spatial scales to reduce greenhouse gases emissions, reforestation, prohibiting the use of polythene, and use of renewable resources. These policies will ultimately prevent harmful anthropogenic intrusion with the climatic conditions and ensure economic development to proceed sustainably. Besides this, the Indian Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is working to formulate methods for dealing with the inevitable impacts of climatic change. The GoI has made numerous initiatives of National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change (NAFCC), Climate Change Action Programme (CCAP), and State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) to deal with climate change impacts. These plans address the climate concerns of the entire nation. The National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) under NAPCC is an innovative idea to deal with ecological issues in the Himalayas. The GoI has taken different initiatives such as Governance for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem (G-SHE), Hill Area Development Programme (HADP), Indian Himalayas Climate Adaptation Programme (IHCAP), Climate change adaptation project (CCAP), and National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) for Himalayan ecosystem sustainability. These are providing various actions towards controlling and adapting to climate change. This chapter is a compilation of Indian policies, governance, and its role to minimize the climate change impacts and improve sustainability.
- Title
- Climate Change
- Editors
-
Prof. Dr. Seema Rani
Ph.D. Rajesh Kumar
- Copyright Year
- 2022
- Publisher
- Springer International Publishing
- Electronic ISBN
- 978-3-030-92782-0
- Print ISBN
- 978-3-030-92781-3
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-92782-0
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