Emerging Threats to Mountain Ecosystem Services Under Changing Climate

Mountains are distinguished by their uniqueness in exhibiting high genetic and ecosystem diversity along with a store house for many endemic species. They offer biological, ecological and aesthetic benefits, as well as socio-economic importance. About 12% of the global population resides in mountains and interestingly 40% of the world population indirectly rely on mountain resources. Mountains among the others are the most vulnerable ecosystem that bears the maximum aftermath due to changing climatic conditions. Consequently, the mountain ecosystem services (MES) is highly impacted. Climate change disturbs MES and well-being of natives residing in high mountains primarily by affecting food/feed, water availability, tourism, aesthetics, etc. Thus, considering the serious threat imposed by climate change on mountain ecosystem and its services, it is important to focus on sustainable management of their resources and consequently develop programmes to safeguard them from the deleterious effects of climate change.