Climate change significantly affects the Himalayan region, with a substantial portion of the adverse impacts stemming from hydrometeorological extremes. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as intense precipitation, heat waves, flash floods, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), and landslides, are increasing. As most communities in the region depend on agriculture, these events pose significant threats to both their livelihoods and lives. Understanding the mechanisms behind hydrometeorological events and developing coping mechanisms are essential for the survival of the population. A community’s adaptability is influenced by the stress it encounters, which fosters resilience. Enhancing adaptability and resilience to climate change is crucial in the Anthropocene epoch. In this context, this chapter provides a comprehensive and integrated analysis of climate change-induced hydrometeorological extremes in the Himalayan region. It underscores the necessity for realistic adaptation and resilience strategies and policies that support the socio-economic development of local communities. The chapter recognizes the importance of the interconnectedness between climate change drivers and their hydrometeorological impacts, particularly on local communities and the Himalayan ecosystem. It also discusses various adaptation and resilience strategies at the community level, especially for those most vulnerable to these extreme events. The chapter highlights the challenges and barriers to implementing these policies, including political, social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of employing ecosystem-based adaptation strategies, particularly focusing on the restoration and safeguarding of ecosystems.

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Climate Change Induced Hydro-Meteorological Extremes in the Himalayan Region

  • Aju David Raj,
  • Anu David Raj

摘要

Climate change significantly affects the Himalayan region, with a substantial portion of the adverse impacts stemming from hydrometeorological extremes. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as intense precipitation, heat waves, flash floods, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), and landslides, are increasing. As most communities in the region depend on agriculture, these events pose significant threats to both their livelihoods and lives. Understanding the mechanisms behind hydrometeorological events and developing coping mechanisms are essential for the survival of the population. A community’s adaptability is influenced by the stress it encounters, which fosters resilience. Enhancing adaptability and resilience to climate change is crucial in the Anthropocene epoch. In this context, this chapter provides a comprehensive and integrated analysis of climate change-induced hydrometeorological extremes in the Himalayan region. It underscores the necessity for realistic adaptation and resilience strategies and policies that support the socio-economic development of local communities. The chapter recognizes the importance of the interconnectedness between climate change drivers and their hydrometeorological impacts, particularly on local communities and the Himalayan ecosystem. It also discusses various adaptation and resilience strategies at the community level, especially for those most vulnerable to these extreme events. The chapter highlights the challenges and barriers to implementing these policies, including political, social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of employing ecosystem-based adaptation strategies, particularly focusing on the restoration and safeguarding of ecosystems.