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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