Nepalis Adapt to Changing Climate
by Kieran Cooke and Dailyclimate.org
Published February 22, 2013 at ScientificAmerican.com
The Himalayan ranges have dealt with many climate issues in relation to global warming, in addition to resource conservation conflicts. Recent arguments have emerged between China, Pakistan, India and Nepal regarding the mismanagement of water resources that rest on the nations boarders as well as the construction of dams. Due to the tension between these nations, river flow and management data is often classified by the governments. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development is an intergovernmental body that gathers information about the environment of the multiple nations, as well as notes the effect of climate change. They recently conducted a surveyed 6000 households about the effects of climate change, as well as their attitudes towards the controversial issue. Early results show that around 80% of the families surveys in the Koshi River basin noticed higher temperatures, with 90% noting unusual rainfall patterns. Valdemar Holmgren, a specialists at the Centre stated that, "early indications from one area in Nepal clearly show people are fully ware of changes in climate patterns." He then goes on to explain, "in many areas farmers are changing crops in order to adapt to changing climate conditions. But for many, it is very hard." In addition to climate issues, the changing societal organizations and migration patterns have lead to many struggles for local businesses. Another organization working to monitor climate change in this ecologically unique area is the United Nations Environment Program. They have concluded that from 1982 to 2006, the temperature of the region has raised by 1.5 degrees Celsius Also, it is recorded that on average, temperature rise approximately 0.06 degrees every year. Overall, climate change has taken a significant toll of the highly complex and unique ecosystems of the Himalayan mountain ranges, greatly effecting the lifestyles of the people.
This article is fascinating in that it discusses the societal impact of climate change, rather than the more commonly covered environmental impact. The struggles of the Nepalis farmers to deal with the changes the erratic weather patterns clearly demonstrates the current effects global warming, illustrating how this issue must be dealt with immediately before peoples' livelihoods are compromised. Also, the Himalayas are a remarkable and singular mountain range that must be preserved for future generations of explorers and scientists to study. This article also confronts another important idea: international competition for resources. The arguments between the nations of this region over the misuse of freshwater resources shows how vital conserving these natural resources and communicating internationally about them is to successful environmental management. Also it could foreshadow a dismal future created by the over-pollution of freshwater, consequently leading to the shortages of the biologic necessity In conclusion, this articles discussion of societal climate change effects, as well as disputes arising from resource management, two issues that are extremely important to environmental preservation and conservation.
by Kieran Cooke and Dailyclimate.org
Published February 22, 2013 at ScientificAmerican.com
The Himalayan ranges have dealt with many climate issues in relation to global warming, in addition to resource conservation conflicts. Recent arguments have emerged between China, Pakistan, India and Nepal regarding the mismanagement of water resources that rest on the nations boarders as well as the construction of dams. Due to the tension between these nations, river flow and management data is often classified by the governments. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development is an intergovernmental body that gathers information about the environment of the multiple nations, as well as notes the effect of climate change. They recently conducted a surveyed 6000 households about the effects of climate change, as well as their attitudes towards the controversial issue. Early results show that around 80% of the families surveys in the Koshi River basin noticed higher temperatures, with 90% noting unusual rainfall patterns. Valdemar Holmgren, a specialists at the Centre stated that, "early indications from one area in Nepal clearly show people are fully ware of changes in climate patterns." He then goes on to explain, "in many areas farmers are changing crops in order to adapt to changing climate conditions. But for many, it is very hard." In addition to climate issues, the changing societal organizations and migration patterns have lead to many struggles for local businesses. Another organization working to monitor climate change in this ecologically unique area is the United Nations Environment Program. They have concluded that from 1982 to 2006, the temperature of the region has raised by 1.5 degrees Celsius Also, it is recorded that on average, temperature rise approximately 0.06 degrees every year. Overall, climate change has taken a significant toll of the highly complex and unique ecosystems of the Himalayan mountain ranges, greatly effecting the lifestyles of the people.
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