Climate Change and Livelihood Sustainability in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

The Himalayas host rich cultural and biological diversities and generate different ecosystem services. The Himalayas act as a water tower and source of food, but suffer from poverty, risks, and vulnerabilities. Climate change is the biggest threat that overshadows living organisms and negatively impacts the rural livelihood of people living there. Warming has accelerated, and surpassed the global average over the past century. Receding glaciers lead to water scarcity not only for drinking but also for agricultural activities. The erratic rainfall results in flash floods and landslides, causing massive damage to infrastructure, life, and property. This study identifies and analyses the impact of climate change on livelihood sustainability and associated challenges. A household survey using purposive sampling was conducted in the Gandhari valley of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir in 2022. It was concluded that climate change has brought multiple changes in the valley and affected livelihoods. Most of the males migrate to cities in winter due to unemployment, whereas the rural poor were the worst hit because they were the most economically backward and vulnerable to these changes. The valley must adapt to climate change, traditional practices, and knowledge could help locals become resilient.