Environmental change perception and engagement of mountainous people in Western Himalayas, at Rajouri District, Jammu and Kashmir, India

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Zeeshan ◽  
Huanyuan Zhang ◽  
Liqing Sha ◽  
Gnanamoorthy Palingamoorthy ◽  
Zayar Phyo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Wind Speed ◽  
Climate Adaptation ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Western Himalaya ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Western Himalayas ◽  
Jammu And Kashmir ◽  
Local Climate

AbstractSubstantial temperature rise is reported in the Himalayas and the vulnerability of the region to climate change is well recognized. Apt adaptation strategy to cope with climate change calls for informed peoples’ participation, which was rarely investigated in Western Himalaya. Having been better informed, people in developed areas adopt better actions against climate change well guided by their perception. In contrast, Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir represents a relatively impoverished and climate change vulnerable region. We, therefore, gauge people’s perceptions and actions in this area based on a household survey from 717 randomly selected individuals. Further, consistency of perception was compared with meteorological records on temperature, humidity, wind speed, rainfall, and aboveground biomass from 1983 - 2013. The findings revealed that temperature increases significantly, while changes in rainfall, wind speed, and relative humidity were insignificant. Although people sensed a rise in temperature and deforestation right, most of them differ with respect to rainfall, wind speed, and humidity. They reported rising pollution and traffic, but no change in crop productivity or crop varieties. Of the respondents, 91% considered climate change as a risk, 86.8% reported reactive actions to it and 82.8% reported proactive actions. Locals from varied socio-economic backgrounds are not much informed about climate change; hence, the reasonability of their responses and positive adaptation actions needs further research. To engage people in climate adaptation actions, we suggest disseminating precise scientific information about local climate through awareness programs and by engaging them in climate change activities through suitable organizations.

scholarly journals Crop adaptation to climate change as a consequence of long-term breeding

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rod J. Snowdon ◽  
Benjamin Wittkop ◽  
Tsu-Wei Chen ◽  
Andreas Stahl
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Adaptation ◽  
Major Gene ◽  
Stress Constraints ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Yield Stability ◽  
Adaptation To Climate Change ◽  
Conventional Breeding ◽  
The Impact

AbstractMajor global crops in high-yielding, temperate cropping regions are facing increasing threats from the impact of climate change, particularly from drought and heat at critical developmental timepoints during the crop lifecycle. Research to address this concern is frequently focused on attempts to identify exotic genetic diversity showing pronounced stress tolerance or avoidance, to elucidate and introgress the responsible genetic factors or to discover underlying genes as a basis for targeted genetic modification. Although such approaches are occasionally successful in imparting a positive effect on performance in specific stress environments, for example through modulation of root depth, major-gene modifications of plant architecture or function tend to be highly context-dependent. In contrast, long-term genetic gain through conventional breeding has incrementally increased yields of modern crops through accumulation of beneficial, small-effect variants which also confer yield stability via stress adaptation. Here we reflect on retrospective breeding progress in major crops and the impact of long-term, conventional breeding on climate adaptation and yield stability under abiotic stress constraints. Looking forward, we outline how new approaches might complement conventional breeding to maintain and accelerate breeding progress, despite the challenges of climate change, as a prerequisite to sustainable future crop productivity.

scholarly journals Analyses of temperature and precipitation in the Indian Jammu and Kashmir region for the 1980–2016 period: implications for remote influence and extreme events

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumira Nazir Zaz ◽  
Shakil Ahmad Romshoo ◽  
Ramkumar Thokuluwa Krishnamoorthy ◽  
Yesubabu Viswanadhapalli
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Seasonal Temperature ◽  
Western Himalayas ◽  
Jammu And Kashmir ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation ◽  
Average Annual Temperature

Abstract. The local weather and climate of the Himalayas are sensitive and interlinked with global-scale changes in climate, as the hydrology of this region is mainly governed by snow and glaciers. There are clear and strong indicators of climate change reported for the Himalayas, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir region situated in the western Himalayas. In this study, using observational data, detailed characteristics of long- and short-term as well as localized variations in temperature and precipitation are analyzed for these six meteorological stations, namely, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Kokarnag, Qazigund, Kupwara and Srinagar during 1980–2016. All of these stations are located in Jammu and Kashmir, India. In addition to analysis of stations observations, we also utilized the dynamical downscaled simulations of WRF model and ERA-Interim (ERA-I) data for the study period. The annual and seasonal temperature and precipitation changes were analyzed by carrying out Mann–Kendall, linear regression, cumulative deviation and Student's t statistical tests. The results show an increase of 0.8 ∘C in average annual temperature over 37 years (from 1980 to 2016) with higher increase in maximum temperature (0.97 ∘C) compared to minimum temperature (0.76 ∘C). Analyses of annual mean temperature at all the stations reveal that the high-altitude stations of Pahalgam (1.13 ∘C) and Gulmarg (1.04 ∘C) exhibit a steep increase and statistically significant trends. The overall precipitation and temperature patterns in the valley show significant decreases and increases in the annual rainfall and temperature respectively. Seasonal analyses show significant increasing trends in the winter and spring temperatures at all stations, with prominent decreases in spring precipitation. In the present study, the observed long-term trends in temperature (∘Cyear-1) and precipitation (mm year−1) along with their respective standard errors during 1980–2016 are as follows: (i) 0.05 (0.01) and −16.7 (6.3) for Gulmarg, (ii) 0.04 (0.01) and −6.6 (2.9) for Srinagar, (iii) 0.04 (0.01) and −0.69 (4.79) for Kokarnag, (iv) 0.04 (0.01) and −0.13 (3.95) for Pahalgam, (v) 0.034 (0.01) and −5.5 (3.6) for Kupwara, and (vi) 0.01 (0.01) and −7.96 (4.5) for Qazigund. The present study also reveals that variation in temperature and precipitation during winter (December–March) has a close association with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Further, the observed temperature data (monthly averaged data for 1980–2016) at all the stations show a good correlation of 0.86 with the results of WRF and therefore the model downscaled simulations are considered a valid scientific tool for the studies of climate change in this region. Though the correlation between WRF model and observed precipitation is significantly strong, the WRF model significantly underestimates the rainfall amount, which necessitates the need for the sensitivity study of the model using the various microphysical parameterization schemes. The potential vorticities in the upper troposphere are obtained from ERA-I over the Jammu and Kashmir region and indicate that the extreme weather event of September 2014 occurred due to breaking of intense atmospheric Rossby wave activity over Kashmir. As the wave could transport a large amount of water vapor from both the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea and dump them over the Kashmir region through wave breaking, it probably resulted in the historical devastating flooding of the whole Kashmir valley in the first week of September 2014. This was accompanied by extreme rainfall events measuring more than 620 mm in some parts of the Pir Panjal range in the south Kashmir.

Tackling Uncertainty in US Local Climate Adaptation Planning

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 416-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Missy Stults ◽  
Larissa Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Adaptation ◽  
Scenario Planning ◽  
Adaptation Planning ◽  
Planning Techniques ◽  
Local Climate ◽  
Climate Change Uncertainty ◽  
Climate Adaptation Planning ◽  
Robust Strategies

Climate adaptation presents some new forms of planning uncertainty. We identified thirteen types of climate change uncertainty and grouped these into four categories. Next, we summarized eleven planning techniques, noting that only six of these techniques reflect an adapt and monitor approach that actively engages uncertainty. We then evaluated the types of uncertainty and planning techniques identified in forty-four US local climate adaptation plans. We found no communities used scenario planning or robust strategies despite the emphasis placed on these techniques in the literature.

scholarly journals Changing Trends in Cultivation Practices and Adoption of Climate Adaptive Farming in Eastern Nepal

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bed Dahal ◽  
Nani Raut ◽  
Smriti Gurung ◽  
Chhatra Sharma ◽  
Rabindra Kayastha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Adaptation To Climate Change ◽  
Planting Dates ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Average Production ◽  
Average Annual Temperature ◽  
Significant Difference

Climate change impacts are likely to affect the agricultural production leading to further food insecurity. In this context, the trend of cereal production with climate variables was studied in order to understand the linkages between climate change and crop productivity. The study was conducted in three districts of Sagarmatha zone, namely Solukhumbu (mountain region), Okhaldhunga (hill region) and Saptari (Terai region) representing three ecological zones in Nepal. A household survey (295 households), focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to collect data on the history of the cultivation systems, varieties of crop grown, trends on crop yield, and adaptation to climate change. Results showed farmers’ introduction of high yielding varieties of crops and vegetables due to economic benefit, while traditional varieties are no longer cultivated. The infestation of pest attack is increasingly seen since two decades, while few pests were reported to be disappeared. Although majority of farmers in Saptari and Okhaldhunga districts used pesticides as per the prescribed doses, pesticide use is still random in Solukhumbu district. The multiple comparisons of means showed that there is a significant difference in the average production of rice and maize since 30 years until recently (p<0.05) in these three districts. The average production of rice, maize and wheat increased with decreasing average annual temperature and rainfall in Saptari district since 30 years. In contrast, in Okhaldhunga and Solukhumbu districts, the average production of three cereal crops increased with increasing average annual temperature and rainfall. With the late arrival of the monsoon, farmers have adopted coping strategies particularly for rice cultivation through occasional shift in crop planting dates and selection of shorter duration crop varieties that can be harvested early.

scholarly journals Climate Adaptability Construction Technology of Historic Conservation Areas: The Case Study of the Chinese–Baroque Historic Conservation Area in Harbin

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 3374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Jin ◽  
Jing Zhao ◽  
Siqi Liu ◽  
Jian Kang
Keyword(s):  
Wind Speed ◽  
Climate Adaptation ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
Construction Technology ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Local Climate ◽  
Climate Adaptability ◽  
Historic Conservation

In recent years, the conflict between human activities and the natural environment has led to global warming and extreme weather, which has provoked people into thinking about the climate adaptability of buildings. Historical blocks are usually built and designed based on the social environment and climatic conditions at that time; therefore, they generally contain the construction techniques relevant to dealing with the local climate. The study aims to study the microclimate characteristics of a historic conservation area in a severe cold region and to explore how it attempted to achieve climate adaptation. Taking the Chinese–Baroque historic conservation area in Harbin as an example, this paper analyzed and studied the climate adaptability technology and excavated the suitable technology for the block to deal with a severe cold climate through research, field measurements, and numerical simulation. The results showed that compared with a certain modern urban area in the city, the Chinese–Baroque historic conservation area had better ability to resist wind and cold. The compact layout of the block could reduce heat loss and keep out the cold by effectively resisting the cold wind from permeating inside. Compared with the T-shaped and L-shaped courtyards, the rectangular courtyard occupies the largest proportion and a rectangular courtyard enclosed by buildings on all sides had better windbreak performance. Furthermore, when the courtyard space was enclosed by four sides and the courtyard width was the same, when the plane aspect ratio was smaller, the maximum wind speed of the inner courtyard was smaller. The squares in the block had a good performance in cold resistance. At the same scale, the higher the degree of enclosure of the square, the lower the internal wind speed. This study will provide a reference for urban planning and architectural design in severe cold regions.

scholarly journals Turning back the rising sea: Theory performativity in the shift from climate science to popular authority

2021 ◽  
pp. 017084062110245
Author(s):  
Vanessa Bowden ◽  
Jean-Pascal Gond ◽  
Daniel Nyberg ◽  
Christopher Wright
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Adaptation ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Climate Science ◽  
Address Climate Change ◽  
Local Climate ◽  
Property Prices ◽  
Vested Interests ◽  
The Relationship

Action on climate change continues to be hampered by vested interests seeding doubt about science and the need to reduce carbon emissions. Using a qualitative case study of local climate adaptation to sea level rise, we show how climate change science is translated into a self-referential theory focussed on property prices. Our analysis develops two mechanisms – enablement and theorization – to explain the relationship between theory performativity and power within a process of translation. This contributes to i) the performativity debate by showing how the constitution of power relations shapes theory performativity; ii) theories of power, by tracing the ways in which certain actors are able to enrol others and impact the authority of particular theories, and; iii) processes of translation by developing mechanisms for following the ways in which power and theory performativity interact. We conclude by arguing that a performative understanding of how power shapes beliefs is central to combat the failure to address climate change.

scholarly journals A Combination Forecasting Strategy for Precipitation, Temperature and Wind Speed in the Southeastern Margin of the Tengger Desert

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tonglin Fu ◽  
Xinrong Li
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Wind Speed ◽  
Tengger Desert ◽  
Neural Network Models ◽  
Desert Ecosystems ◽  
Local Climate ◽  
Precipitation Temperature ◽  
Combination Forecasting ◽  
Southeastern Margin ◽  
The Tengger Desert

Global warming is inevitably the cause of local climate change, which will have a profound impact on regional ecology, especially in the desertified steppe and steppefied desert transition zones with fragile ecological environments. In order to investigate the change trends of precipitation, temperature and wind speed for effectively realizing the restoration and protection of desert ecosystems, a combination forecasting strategy including the data pre-processing technique, sub-models selection and parameter optimization was proposed and three numerical simulation experiments based on the combination model with the weights optimized by the particle swarm optimization algorithm were designed to forecast the precipitation, temperature and wind speed in the southeastern margin of the Tengger Desert in China. Numerical results showed that the proposed combination prediction method has higher forecasting accuracy and better robustness than single neural network models and hybrid models. The proposed method is beneficial to analyze climate change in arid regions.

scholarly journals Attributes of Weathercasters Who Engage in Climate Change Education Outreach

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 487-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. Perkins IV ◽  
Teresa Myers ◽  
Zephi Francis ◽  
Raphael Mazzone ◽  
Edward Maibach
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Climate Science ◽  
The United States ◽  
Climate Change Education ◽  
Local Climate ◽  
Local Climate Change ◽  
Resource Program ◽  
Education Outreach

Abstract This research explores the role of weathercasters as local climate change educators and identifies attributes of those who present climate science to their viewers. In 2015, the authors attempted to survey all television weathercasters currently working in the United States (n = 2128); 478 participated, yielding a 22.5% participation rate. Using logistic regression to identify attributes of weathercasters who report on climate change on-air, it was found that the strongest predictors were participation in Climate Matters (a climate change reporting resource program) (β = 1.01, p < 0.001), personal interest in reporting on climate change (β = 0.93, p < 0.001), age (higher rates of reporting among older weathercasters) (β = 0.301, p < 0.05), and number of climate reporting interests (β = 1.37, p < 0.05). Linear regression was used to identify attributes of weathercasters who showed the most interest in climate change reporting. Weathercasters most interested in reporting about climate change on-air were more certain that climate change is happening (β = 0.344, p < 0.001), were convinced climate change is human caused (β = 0.226, p < 0.001), were older (β = 0.157, p < 0.001), and found the Third National Climate Assessment to be useful (β = 0.134, p < 0.05). Weathercasters who are personally motivated to seek and share broad scientific information, acting as “station scientists,” appear to be those who are also proactive in sharing climate change information. Assisting motivated weathercasters with programs that reduce barriers to climate change education outreach complements their abilities to educate the public regarding climate change science.

scholarly journals Climate change stressors affecting household food security among Kimandi-Wanyaga smallholder farmers in Murang’a County, Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 587-608
Author(s):  
Mary W. Ngure ◽  
Shem O. Wandiga ◽  
Daniel O. Olago ◽  
Silas O. Oriaso
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Climate Adaptation ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Rainfall Variability ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Community Perceptions ◽  
Household Food

Abstract Climate change hazards including droughts and floods are adversely affecting crop productivity and food security among Kenyan smallholder farmers. This article analyzes rainfall and temperature change effects on household food security in Kimandi-Wanyaga, in Murang’a County, Kenya. Both the meteorological and the community perceptions were analyzed. Monthly rainfall and temperature data for Thika Meteorological Station were analyzed for trends using MAKESENS procedure. The community perceptions data obtained through household survey, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and content analysis. The study hypotheses were tested using chi-square tests. The community perceived inadequate rainfall during crop growth (79%), reduced rainfall intensity (77%) and erratic onset and cessation of seasonal rainfall (73%) had interrupted their crop productivity. These disagreed with MAKESENS rainfall trends that showed statistically insignificant rainfall variability (α > 0.1). The community’s warmer temperature perceptions agreed with observed rising maximum temperature trend at 0.001 significance level. This study observed a significant relationship between the community’s perceived local rainfall and temperature changes, and household food security. For robust and strategically designed climate policies and programs for food security, governments need to communicate to policy makers the perceptions of smallholder farmers involved in autonomous climate adaptation.

scholarly journals Vulnerability of agricultural households to climate change in hill state of north Western Himalaya

MAUSAM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-208
Author(s):  
PANWAR PANKAJ ◽  
BHATT V K ◽  
PAL SHARMISTHA ◽  
LORIA NANCY ◽  
ALAM N M ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Adaptation ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Western Himalaya ◽  
Vulnerability Index ◽  
Regional Sources ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Individual Household ◽  
Farming Households ◽  
North Western

In the present study, vulnerability level of individual farming households to climate change is examined in Himachal Pradesh, North-western state of India. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to develop vulnerability index for individual household. Mean household vulnerability index in the study area was 0.27. The farming households from Kullu district were the most vulnerable (5.94) while those from Hamirpur district were least vulnerable (-3.37). The study successfully identified the regional sources of vulnerability and prioritises the districts for adaptation planning. Implication of the study results lays with the policy makers in formulating region specific and targeted climate adaptation policies that foster asset building so as to reduce vulnerability and build long-term resilience to climate change.

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