Managing Disasters in Mountains: Challenges in the Era of Global Warming

The risk of nature-coupled man-made events in mountains differs significantly compared with that in low-lying areas geographically due to multiple reasons. The socio-ecological system in the mountains is highly exposed to changing climatic and environmental conditions. Therefore, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 15.4) call for the protection and management of the mountains because of the essential ecosystem services they provide. The mountain ecosystem stocks most of the global biodiversity and is a source of livelihood to local communities. Mountains, being extremely sensitive to climate change and increasing global mean temperature, are exposed to climate-related risks and disasters. Significant glacier melting in mountainous regions worldwide, which is inextricably linked to rising risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and changes in the hydrologic cycle and precipitation patterns, which result in changes in ice, snow, and vegetation cover, are already visible repercussions. These changes have the potential to cause disasters such as landslides, wildfires, and flash floods. Considering the systemic nature of risk, as well as the linkages and interdependence of upstream and downstream systems, healthy and productive mountain communities and livelihoods are critical to global sustainability. The changing mountain landscapes warrant development projects in which hazard mitigation, early warning systems, and the socioeconomic well-being of locals are at the core of the planning phase. It will help reap the benefits optimally and sustainably from the functions and services that mountains offer. Disasters disproportionately impact developing countries as they lack the technological and technical resources to cope and adapt. An enhanced system of disaster risk reduction is necessary to minimize the hazards and risks related to mountains. The current chapter will not only highlight the challenges in mountain regions of the globe but will also try to answer the possible nature-based solutions and adaptations from developing and developed countries.