Impact of climate change in Ladakh

Meena Menon reports from Ladakh that the enormity of climate change and its impact is on everyone’s lips in this cold desert where more than 80 % of the farmers depend on snow melt for their needs. Glaciers like the Stakmo have receded making water a scarce commodity. Since 1993, Ladakh has experienced warmer temperatures, less snow on the mountain tops, unusual heavy spells of rain, and reducing natural streams. Studies indicate a rising trend of mean temperature by 1oC in winter and 5 oC for summer between 1973 and 2008. During the same period rainfall and snowfall showed a declining trend. Glaciers have retreated at several places and new pests like the coddling moth have appeared in all parts of Ladakh. As a result of retreating glaciers the water discharge to the Indus river has reduced. Apple cultivation had to move to the upper reaches of the region. Climate change has really made the Ladakhi people to worry about the fate of their coming generations. ( Source: The Hindu, November 7, 2009- www.thehindu.in )