Outlook on climate change adaptation in the Hindu Kush Himalaya

Energy: Countries’ policies generally aim to increase the efficiency of production and consumption, and promote a transition to low/zero-carbon energy sources (mitigation), but are less focused on adaptation. Given the current and potential future importance of hydropower in the region, policies which seek to promote hydropower development need to consider the changing hydrological regimes, extreme climate and other events such as earthquakes and need to work better across borders to share critical information regarding the above. Energy policies furthermore need to address the existing barriers for uptake through decentralized clean energy options, for example, micro-hydro, solar, wind, biomass through small businesses. Infrastructure: The majority of the HKH countries have developed policies to regulate and guide the development of infrastructure and urban areas. However, apart from basic statements on climate- induced impacts, the policy documents offer little information about adaptation measures or goals. Policies need to ensure that any infrastructure development includes consideration of the projected risks from climate hazards, for example through the integration of vulnerability assessments and timely sharing of updated information on potential risk zones. Human Health: The linkage between human health and climate change, and the potential impacts of mountain-relevant hazards are not considered as an adaptation priority by the HKH countries, despite the projected increase in the burden of climate- related health impacts. There is a need for targeted research and better understanding of the direct and indirect links between climate change and human health to make informed policy decisions. This includes for policies addressing the impacts of slow and sudden onset of climate and extreme events on human health. Furthermore, there is a need for

Sundhara, Kathmandu, Nepal

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