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References of the impact of climate change on river deltas and other coastal areas

A short compilation of articles and reports on the impact of climate change on river deltas and other coastal areas

Posted on 26 Aug, 2009 04:48 PM

Mumbai Marooned: An Enquiry into Mumbai Floods 2005 - Final Report ,
By Conservation Action Trust - Click here

Enquiry-mumbai-floods-2005-final-report

Impact of climate change on river deltas and other coastal areas in India

While global warming is a matter of worldwide concern, among the most vulnerable areas are the coastlines of less developed tropical countries such as India. The river deltas, in particular, are already facing the brunt of climate change and these adverse impacts can be expected to increase dramatically in the course of this century.

Rama Mani

Posted on 26 Aug, 2009 04:23 PM

The effects are most visible in the Sunderbans. Literally the 'beautiful forest', these wetlands at the mouths of the Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems are among the largest mangrove forests in the world. About 62% of this area of some10000sq km lies in Bangladesh but there is a significant Indian portion in the state of West Bengal.

Quick reference: Climate change impacts on freshwater ecosystems in the Himalayas (CCIFEH)

Climate change impacts on freshwater ecosystems in the Himalayas (CCIFEH) is a joint initiative of WWF-India and WWF Nepal, funded by WWF-The Netherlands.

Rama Mani

Posted on 26 Aug, 2009 04:01 PM

The programme entails a panorama of actions working towards understanding future climate change impacts on Himalayan river ecosystems and vulnerable communities for the development of adaptation strategies; implementation of pilot sites; and raising the awareness of climate change impacts on Himalayan river basins, in addition to urging specific adaptation strategie

Glacier lake outburst floods: Wrecking havoc to life and property in the Himalayan region

A glacier lake outburst flood (GLOF) is caused when the glacial lakes burst their banks and cause widespread floods. In the past two decades there have been a number of glacier lake outburst floods. The increase in the melting of glaciers have led to this phenomenon.

Rama Mani

Posted on 26 Aug, 2009 03:47 PM

These floods cause havoc with human life, flora and fauna of the area and the infrastructure in the region.

The Dig Tosho Glacier lake outburst in August 1985, destroyed the nearly completed Namche hydropower plant and all the rails, roads, and other infrastructure in its course.

How climate change has affected Ladakh: The region has seen unusual floods in July 2005 and August 2006

Ladakh is known as the cold-desert and has severe conditions and is barren and arid. The region has seen unusual floods in July 2005 and August 2006.

Rama Mani

Posted on 26 Aug, 2009 03:36 PM

It is in Jammu Kashmir and is bordered by the Himalayas and the Karakoram mountain chains. Ladakh and its water sources are almost entirely dependent on the glaciers and snow-melts and changes in water systems can be directly attributed to changes in the glaciers and thus climate change.

Impact of climate change on the Himalayan glaciers

40% reduction has occurred in the Himalayan glaciers in the last 40 years. 67% of the glaciers have retreated in the last decade. Gangotri is retreating at the rate of 28 m per year. Global warming and its consequent melting of glaciers would result in floods, fast and furious run-offs, erosion of the topsoil and sedimentation of the rivers. This could also lead to changes in the course of the rivers in the region.

Rama Mani

Posted on 26 Aug, 2009 03:30 PM

The Himalayas' permanent ice cover is around 97,000 sq.km. with 12,930 sq.km. volume of ice and snow: 10-20 % are covered by glaciers and 30-40% are seasonal snowfalls. The Himalayan streams and rivers are fed by the melting of snow and ice of approximately 500 sq.km / year.

Impact of climate change on water resources

Sea-level rise and coastal delta flooding will result in large-scale migration, affecting traditional fishing communities, agriculture, tourism as well as industries and urban agglomerations along the coast. The stress on water resources will impact agriculture, especially rain-fed agriculture; as well as health; changing temperatures and moisture levels will affect insects and plants; and also our forests and pasture lands. Livelihoods will be at stake for the millions.
Can we do something about these impacts? Is something already happening? Yes, on both counts.

Rama Mani

Posted on 26 Aug, 2009 02:30 PM

India has contributed immensely to the body of scientific research and analysis that underpins the understanding of the global impacts of climate change. There is, to a slightly lesser degree, an understanding of specific regional impacts. More needs to be done here, especially understinding micro-level impacts.

International day of action for rivers

March 14 is observed as International Day of Action for rivers

Arun

Posted on 26 Aug, 2009 02:19 PM

It is a day when existing river protection campaigns re-dedicate to the cause.

Critical issues related to groundwater: Centre for Water Policy

Understanding various critical issues related to its usage, contamination, and replenishment of groundwater is important as every individual is a user of groundwater.

Centre for Water Policy

Posted on 26 Aug, 2009 02:16 PM

Click on the link below for a comprehensive understanding about the issues related to groundwater.

Click on to know more about critical issues on groundwater in India

The many large scale impacts of climate change

The heating up of the Earth is putting much more than usual moisture in the air. So, now we have rains (precipitation) which are heavier than normal and that which fall in a few days.

Rama Mani

Posted on 26 Aug, 2009 01:50 PM

The heat evaporates the moisture in the soil rapidly leading to widespread drought conditions. The changes in ocean temperatures are modifying the ocean currents, thus creating erratic and extreme weather conditions - creating more intense and frequent storms and cyclones; thus creating cycles of floods and drought.

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