Climate-Induced Changes in Forest Ecosystems of Indian Himalayan Region: A Meta-analysis

The evidence of global climate change is now widely acknowledged. Over the past century (1906–2005), the average global temperature has risen by 0.74 °C, with an increase of approximately 0.44 °C in the last 25 years. Consequently, extreme precipitation events, such as heavy rain and severe storms, have become more frequent. Mountain ecosystems worldwide are expected to continue warming at an alarming rate in the coming decades, with the Himalayas experiencing an increase in atmospheric temperature two to three times higher than the global average in recent decades. The fragile landscape of the Indian Himalayan region is particularly susceptible to natural disasters, heightening concerns about the current and potential impacts of climate change. Both anthropogenic activities and global climate change pose significant threats to the Himalayan region, making understanding the magnitude and specifics of climate change effects indispensable. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed literature were conducted to assess the impacts of climate change on the ecosystem structure, function, and composition of the Indian Himalayan Region. The study's findings indicate that climate change continues to threaten this region, yet scientific research on vulnerability in social-ecological landscapes remains limited despite the pressing global climate crisis. This underscores the urgent need for comprehensive study and proactive measures to address the challenges of climate change in the Indian Himalayan region.