Climate change in Himalayas discussed

A one-day session titled “Enhancing climate change resilience in the Himalayas: Integrating biodiversity, water resources, sustainable tourism, and livelihood” was held in Leh, marking a crucial step towards addressing the pressing environmental challenges facing the region.

A comprehensive presentation was delivered focusing on climate change resilience in the Himalayas. The presentation outlined the key challenges faced in the region and proposed innovative solutions to address these issues.

Chairman of LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson, Executive Councillor, Stanzin Chosphel, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Nameeta Prasad; Vice Chancellor of University of Ladakh, SK Mehta and Director of NIHE, Prof Sunil Nautiyal were present.

In her remarks, Nameeta Prasad emphasised her commitment to addressing Ladakh’s environmental challenges. “I have gained valuable insights into the climate issues facing Ladakh, and I want to reiterate that while Ladakh contributes minimally to pollution, it is the actions of developed countries that impact your glaciers.”

She highlighted the significance of every action in the fight against climate change, stating, “Every little action contributes to improvement. I am particularly encouraged to hear about the reverse migration initiatives in Ladakh and am committed to addressing the Environmental Public Responsibility (EPR) issues you face.”

Executive Councillor for Agriculture Stanzin Chosphel in his address emphasised the need to enhance the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE) in the coming times. He advocated for strengthening its research and development initiatives to better address environmental challenges and support sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

Tashi Gyalson highlighted the need for collaboration among government, NGOs, and local communities to address the impacts of climate change. He called for timely action in light of glacier melting and its effects on local livelihoods. CEC further addressed the challenges faced by Ladakh, advocating for financial independence and the establishment of autonomous bodies to effectively manage and promote sustainable initiatives.

The discussions included proposals for the Environmental Public Responsibility (EPR) initiative. Gyalson further highlighted several impactful green initiatives undertaken by LAHDC, including the Climate Cup focused on sustainability, geothermal energy projects, and advancements in electric transportation.