Experts in Ladakh to examine impact of climate change on mountain ecosystems

In an effort towards addressing climate change in fragile mountain ecosystems, the third edition of ‘International Summer School and Expedition’ is being held from July 5 to 15 with a dedicated focus on Ladakh.

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It is being organised by the Department of Environmental Studies, PGDAV College, University of Delhi, in collaboration with the DU’s Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies on Mountain and Hill Environment (CISMHE); and the Department of Earth Sciences, Institute of Mountain Environment, Bhaderwah Campus, University of Jammu.

The initiative is also supported by international scholars, including a delegation from HSE University, Saint Petersburg in Russia; and is aimed at developing robust, community-led climate resilience models.

Participants include eminent professors, climate researchers and policy experts from India and Russia, who are working closely with local communities to examine the cascading impacts of climate change in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Notably, the IHR is considered to be one of the most ecologically sensitive zones in the world.

The expedition will address several concerns like rising temperatures, accelerated melting of glaciers, erratic precipitation and increasing frequency of extreme weather events. The summer school is particularly focusing on water insecurity, threats to traditional livelihoods and the tensions between unregulated development and environmental preservation in the region.

Prof Rahul Gupta, Rector of Bhaderwah Campus, University of Jammu, lauded the joint initiative, emphasising the urgency of research-based policymaking in ecologically fragile zones like Ladakh.

“Such collaborative outreach programmes are essential to inform governance frameworks and develop adaptive responses to climate challenges in mountainous areas,” he said.

Prof Darvinder Kumar, Principal of PGDAV College, is guiding the research component of the workshop. His focus on grassroots data collection and statistical rigor ensures that the findings have both practical value and academic depth.