Mountains cover 24% of the global surface area consisting of 12% of world’s population along with varied geographical terrain. Mountains of Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) store large volumes of water in the form of ice and snow and also regulate the flow of large rivers. They provide a number of ecosystem services for both upstream and downstream communities like fresh water, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, soil conservation, tourism and recreation, etc. They are most vulnerable to climate change.
Climate change is the long-term shift in the weather pattern and change in the temperature. The average global temperature increases to about 1.50 C. The fastest rate of change in temperature can be seen on high Himalayas (they will lose about 36% of their volume by the year 2100) as they are the sensitive indicator of climate change. The mountain ecosystem is easily disturbed by variation in climate because of their altitude, slope and orientation to the sun. Taking an example, the effect of climate change can be seen clearly on Mt. Machhapuchhare that the mountain is slowly turning into a black hill losing its aesthetic beauty too. The changes occurring in the mountain ecosystem may lead to the extinction of many species as well as the effect can be seen on the lowland environments.
As the temperature increases, the mountain heats up so quickly that the glaciers melt forming the glacier lake. A report from ICIMOD and UNDP in Nepal has identified 47 potentially dangerous glacial lakes (PDGLs) within Gandaki, Koshi and Karnali river basins. Some of them are Imja, Tsho Rolpa, Lower Barun , Lumdi, Thulagi, etc. Due to a certain threshold, the holes can’t hold water and outburst occurs causing floods on down settlement. Such events can have devastating consequences to infrastructure such as washing away roads, bridges, hydropower stations and dams. It also affects the local communities living downstream by washing away fields, livestock, houses and people.
Mountains support the large population both in economic and aesthetic purposes. They also assist a high level of agricultural diversity. Because of climate change there is a decline in traditional food crops such as buckwheat, barley, millet and native livestock. An Increase in temperature can potentially benefit through an upward shift of crops such as maize and beans. However, issues such as pest-host interactions, land use conflicts, livestock diseases, flood and drought have increased in high Himalayas. Hence, climate change can have both positive as well as negative impacts on crops.
Impact of climate change on mountains is seen on the river system as well. Due to the increase in population in major cities the consumption of water is more and the demand is increasing. Rivers flowing from mountain regions are vital sources of water for downstream communities and ecosystems. Any flow on the water quality, quantity or timing of flow due to climate change can directly impact the livelihoods and well being of people depending on these rivers for drinking, irrigation and other purposes. Changes in river ecosystems can also affect fisheries and other aquatic resources which are crucial for local economies.
Climate change can lead to shifts in monsoon patterns including changes in the timing, intensity and distribution of rainfall. Some areas may experience high rainfall while other regions may get prolonged dry periods or low rainfall. Certain changes in the wind and rainfall pattern in mountains may be responsible for the rising death toll. The Guardian reports that experts expect 2023 to be one of the deadliest years on record for Mt. Everest. Variable weather brought by climate change is considered one of the tending reasons for the deaths of as many as 17 people on Mt. Everest. Out of which 12 people have already died this season and 5 people were missing.
In conclusion, urgent action is required to address climate change in the high Himalayas. Mountain-specific climate services focused on snow cover, permafrost, and glacier-related disasters should be established to enhance agricultural advisory services. Collaboration between government, non-government organizations, and research institutions is crucial for reversing global warming trends. Although efforts such as systematic studies of glaciers, construction of controlled exit channels in glacial lakes, and community-based programs have been initiated. Special laws and policies must be implemented in mountain regions, and tourists should utilize geospatial techniques to manage weather patterns. At last, community empowerment is key to building climate change resilience and preserving the mountain ecosystem.