Climate Change Implications in the Himalayas

The entire world is affected by climate change and variability, and the consequences are more pronounced in mountainous areas and their inhabitants. Himalayas is a huge mountainous region covering an area of 2400 km, includes parts of eight nations: Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, Afghanistan, Burma, Pakistan and India. The Himalayan region is warming faster than the world average (0.08 °C per decade), and during the past six decades, precipitation has also increased dramatically. As a consequence, climate—induced disasters have also increased in terms of frequency and intensity. Additionally, climate-dependent sectors have already been impacted by changes in precipitation and temperature and will continue to do so. Hence, understanding the implications of climate in Himalayan region is vital since it’s impact is not only region—specific but has a trans—boundary effect. In this regard, this chapter addresses state of knowledge concerning the current status of climate change, draws out implication on water resources, forest, biodiversity, human health and tourism; along with adaptation and mitigation measures in Himalayas. To summarize, Greater Himalayas’ climate change issues can only be solved by enhancing regional cooperation in scientific research and policy decisions.