Impact of global warming in Nepal

Nepal, a place well-known for its breathtaking terrains, is the location of Mount Everest-the tallest mountain in the world and has an amazing environmental variability. Slope or elevation of the Himalaya Range increases towards the north with the presence of the high snow-covered mountains and decreases in the southern direction where there are the depressions of Terai region that does not rise above 70m from the sea level in height. This remarkable country also suffers from the impact of the global warming phenomenon. According to the World Bank……, with the advancement of global warming, its negative effects are being witnessed in all the regions of Nepal and they are changing not only the places but also the people and their culture.

1. Effects of Global Warming on Snow-Capped Mountains

The mountain ranges in Nepal are not just geological formations; they are an intrinsic part of the country’s identity and source of livelihood. The Himalayas, which have several summits with a height of over 8000m, can easily be reached by trekkers and climbers. Regrettably, global climate change is affecting these majestic mountains. The rising temperatures are bringing about the reducing rate of snow and glaciers and increasing the risk of avalanches and landslides. The less there are glaciers present, the more rocky mountain peaks appear that were previously encased in dense sheets of snow. While the latter affects the beauty of Nepal, it also creates a ripple effect on its economy. There is a significant dependence of the Economy of Nepal on its mountainous regions as the country’s major source of attraction is up in the hills. The consequent degradation of these peaks would lead to a lesser appeal of the country as a tourist destination and thus affecting the economies of the people who largely depend on tourism. The pictures of mountains taken at same season also have huge difference. In my 15 years trekking journey, I have personally witness and realized the difference of snow level on mountains.

2. Impact on Glaciers and Ice Lakes

The melting of glaciers in Nepal is considered one of the most alarming signs of climate change. The country boasts hundreds of glaciers and ice lakes that feed river systems on which millions depend upon for water. The accelerated rate at which such glaciers are melting, however, is causing the formation of unstable glacial lakes. So, most of these lakes are at risk of bursting due to which catastrophic GLOFs may occur. These also create a potential threat to the downstream population and infrastructures, which are otherwise vulnerable. The popular glacier lake Imja Tasho could destroy the major parts of Everest Base Camp Trekking routes including the Dingboche villages in near future, if the concerned authorities remain silence.

3. Impact on Weather Patterns

Nepal is suffering unpredictable weather patterns due to global warming. Such extremes of weather not know its bound Nepal beholds. That means that it rains heavily, snows powerfully, and winds stronger than usual. To be in moving from one climate to another which means that such changes can lead to natural disasters, e.g. landslides, floods, and storms. In the example of forcedly moving from one house to another, that is getting flooded or collapsing due to a landslide, local people who lost homes and infrastructure depending on them have a lot to suffer. Global climate change has a clear characteristic that the effects of it are extreme weather events that are suddenly arising because of increased global mean temperature. One of the results of these hazards is that the farmers and local inhabitants experience the inconsistency and consequently face the danger of collapse due to climate change. The literalliments ranging to farmers and community people are unpredictable due to the changes that occur cause a multiplicative effect. This is the reason why even if people are prepared the impact of climate change would still be grievous. There is an inconsistency that makes it difficult to travel through mountain roads because paddy fields of the mountain are again turning to the rivers. The environment suddenly becomes very different and we are unable to cope with the drastically changing sceanrios of our living for earthquake, flood, landslide, etc. It is only when the public comprehend the meaning of hazards that they can make changes that not only prevent the loss of lives and properties but also create sustainable living conditions. This article is proof that nature is fighting for its rights — the right to exist, to be healthy, and to have all the resources it needs to survive. Undertaking the actions, rules, and regulations of environmental protection are instruments for the perfectly balanced, unrisked, ecological future. In 2014, The deadly snow storm at Annapurna Circuit Trekking killed 25 people including 9 foreign trekkers in main trekking season.

4. Impact on Wildlife and Animals

Nepal is home to various ecosystems and endangered species such as the snow leopard and red panda, among many others. However, climate change is having an impact on these species as well as others in the country. With temperatures increasing, these animals are being forced to migrate towards higher altitudes in order to find suitable habitats which can cause conflicts with other wildlife or even human population at those higher altitudes. The changing climate also leads to changes in distribution of prey-species affecting the entire food chain. For instance, due to increased temperature Terai species including that of elephants and tigers have been found moving upwards in search of better habitat condition.

5. Impact on Vegetation, Fruit, and Farming

It is also impacting agriculture in Nepal. Changes in temperature and precipitation are modifying the geographical distribution of natural vegetation, altering plant species dynamics, reducing agricultural yield considerably in some areas while increasing it minimally or not at all in study areas due to the earlier termination of crop growth caused by higher temperatures, changing maturing periods particularly for traditionally grown crops and threatening subsistence farmers’ livelihoods as well as food supply–demand imbalance because shifting cropping calendars will affect future crop yields making many staple crops less reliable; fruit production could also take hit: apples are early maturing these days in Mustang (source). The increased frequency of extreme weather events is compounding vulnerabilities among rural, largely subsistence communities faced when coupled with resultant population decline. But on the up side it’s spurring tourism playing a role as alternative income but one that may be short-lasting. Nepal’s unique geographic position makes it highly vulnerable to climate change effects across different elevation zones. Glacial melt rates increase risk of glacier lake outburst floods. Shifting environments enable new pathogens to move into particular regions lacking enough health facilities. Climate-caused forest dieback resulting from pests is already being observed.

Global warming significantly impacts Nepal's varied landscapes and ecosystems. It's a big deal and has a lot of different effects. As we all deal with this big world problem, Nepal shows us how everything in nature is linked and why we gotta work together to fight and get ready for climate change. Efforts to tackle these issues are key to protecting Nepal's natural environment and ensuring the health and happiness of its residents and animals for the future.