This book analyzes the issues associated with climate change in the
Himalayas. The purpose of choosing the Himalayas as a focus is because
it is a particularly fragile mountain system, highly sensitive to
climate change impacts, and it contains one of the largest human
populations affected by climate change. The book provides extensive data
and information regarding the climate history of the Himalayas, and the
current effects of climate change on Himalayan weather systems, and on
human and animal populations in the region.
The book begins with an overview of global climate change with
discussions of data trends and international initiatives, then segues
into a history of climate changes and weather trends in the Himalayas.
Weather systems of the Himalayas, both past and current, are analyzed
and detailed through climate models, seasonal observations of weather
fronts, and overviews of various climate scenarios. The book then
discusses climate change impacts and signat
ures specific to the Central Himalayan region, where the largest effects
of impacts are observed. Readers will discover analysis presented on
water resources, meteorological changes, biodiversity, agriculture and
human health along with perspectives of management and policy. This book
will appeal to researchers studying climate science, climatology,
environmental scientists and policymakers.
