The changing mountains

January 10, 2010: The impact of climate change on water resources and livelihoods in the Himalayas has put a threat to the future of mountains in Bhutan.
Man-made greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Forum for Climate and Global Change Swiss Academy of Sciences, are expected to lead to average global warming of 1.1 and 6.4 degrees centigrade in 1990 to 2100.
Climate change has lead to the rapid melting of glaciers in the country.
Scientists worldwide believe that the changes occurring in the mountain ecosystems may provide an early glimpse of what could come to pass in lowland environments, and that mountains thus act as early warning systems.
Mountain glaciers are the most visible sign of global climate change.
The Himalayan glaciers are retreating faster than in any other part of the world which puts a mountain ecosystem like Bhutan at great risk.
In Bhutan, the Luggye Tsho retreated by 160 m yearly from 1988 to 1993 resulting in rapid growth of the Luggye Tsho. The Raphstreng Tsho retreated 35 m every year on average from 1984 to 1998 but from 1988 to 1993 the retreat rate almost doubled to 60 m per year.
One of the main concerns in relation to climate change in Bhutan is the reduction of snow and ice, which will reduce the country’s water resources, according to environmentalists.
Providing freshwater to half of the world’s population, the Bhutanese economy is also dependent on the mountains for its water resources.
Mountains, according to experts are typically exposed to multiple hazards and climate change is likely to increase this exposure.
This will not just pose a threat to the environment in Bhutan but also threaten the livelihood of the mountain people.
However, to protect and further enhance Bhutan’s profile as a biodiversity hotspot and safeguard the floral and faunal resources of the country, the government has initiated a number of activities.
An area covering 4,914 sq. km serving as a head water source for four major rivers in the country has been designated as the Wangchuck Centennial Park.
With the establishment of this park, about 40% of the country is now under strict protection.
Based on biodiversity and socio-economic studies, a five year management plan for the park has been prepared and approved.
The Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary which forms and important conservation link between the sub-tropical and the alpine ecosystems has been made operational.
The national biological corridor program to connect crucial conservation links between the protected areas was reactivated.
A wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre has been established in Thimphu to rescue and treat captured and injured animals for ultimate release back into the forest.
Since the establishment of the unit, a total of 85 wild animals including sambar, barking deer, Himalayan black bear, wild cats, and monkeys have been treated and released back in to the wild.
The government has also taken a step towards adapting to climate change by developing a National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA), coordinated by the National Environment Commission (NEC).
The main objective of the NAPA has been to identify and address the most prominent issues related to climate change.
Three projects from the Bhutan Department of Geology and Mines have been prioritized during the NAPA formulation. The three projects are, artificial lowering of lake water level in the Thorthormi lakes; installation of early warning systems in Punakha-Wangdi valley; and hazard zonation mapping in Chamkhar.