Outlook on climate change adaptation in the Hindu Kush Himalaya

Summary of key hazards, vulnerabilities and risks (continued)

Key Vulnerability

Key Risk

Climate Hazards 7

• Large number of glaciers sensitive to climate change • Communities and cities dependent on glacial meltwater for at least some of the year • Communities with insufficient water storage infrastructure • Ecosystems dependent on glaciers and historical melting rates • Hydro- and thermal power facilities exposed to decreases in annual river discharge and changing seasonality of flows • Irrigation and water supply needs of agriculture and farming • Limited access to insurance against climate-related losses • Poor water infrastructure, such as with high losses in the system • Ecosystems dependent on current water dynamics, such as aquatic ecosystems

• Water insecurity • Crop failure • Degradation of ecosystems • Formation and expansion of glacial lakes and wetlands at high altitude, raising risks of GLOFs • Decreased security of energy supplies, which are unable to meet energy demands during months when output is lowest • Loss of crops and livestock • Reduced forage availability due to changing from dzos to horses as pack animals • Delayed and shorter farming season in some areas • Water shortages in major urban areas • Increased sediment loading and erosion, degraded hillsides and watersheds, reduced water quality and increased salinity of groundwater • Reduced productivity and biodiversity in streams and rivers with risks to aquatic ecosystems • Loss or degradation of natural scenic beauty, with impacts on economy and livelihoods • Changes in crop patterns and seasons • Soil fertility degradation • Lower productivity leading to economic losses (e.g. decline in orange yields in north-eastern India) • Decline in other resources such as forage and fodder, leading to resource conflicts

Melting glaciers

Droughts and erratic precipitation patterns

• Agricultural crops maladapted to particular temperature ranges to grow productively • Famers with limited resources to adapt agricultural practices

Slow onset rising temperatures

(Temperature rising at a faster rate in higher altitudes)

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