“Climate Crisis in the Himalayas: Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Uttarakhand’s Ecosystems and Communities”

Abstract

Abstract Climate change is increasingly emerging as a critical threat to the fragile ecosystems of the Himalayan region, with Uttarakhand standing out as one of the most severely impacted Indian states. The region’s unique topography, dependence on glacier-fed rivers, and biodiversity-rich forests make it highly vulnerable to the effects of global warming. This report examines the multifaceted impacts of climate change in Uttarakhand, including rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, more frequent and intense natural disasters, forest degradation, biodiversity loss, disrupted agriculture, and shrinking water resources. Key issues such as elevation-dependent warming, cloudbursts, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and desertification have been discussed in detail. The report also outlines adaptation strategies focused on sustainable agriculture, forest and water conservation, disaster risk management, and climate-resilient development. These findings underscore the urgent need for coordinated, community-driven, and policy-backed interventions to mitigate the worsening climate crisis in the Uttarakhand Himalayas.