An Existential threat

Kashmir, renowned for its stunning beauty and breathtaking landscapes, is grappling with the harsh realities of climate change. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, climate change is defined as long term shifts in temperatures and weather conditions, primarily driven by human activities and burning of fossil fuels. Moreover, climate change has devastated the charming topography, fragile ecosystem and livelihoods of millions. It is one of the major threats that Kashmir is experiencing in the 21st century. Climate change presents a grave threat to Kashmir's environmental, economic and socio-cultural stability.

With a 1.5°C rise in temperature in the previous century, Kashmir’s ecological balance teeters on the brink. If this temperature rise continues, Kashmir, once known for its water quality and quantity, will soon face water scarcity, and if this same climate trend continues 70% of glaciers will melt by the end of this century. Data has also revealed that Kashmir valley has lost approximately 30000 hectares of land in the last 10 years. Temperature fluctuations  impact major crop cycles, affecting fruit production and food security.

Climate change also reduces bee populations significantly which directly impairs apple pollination, leading to decrease in yields and lower fruit quality. Warmer climates would also disrupt the life cycle of those plants which rely on specific temperatures for reproduction and growth. The precious Dal Lake which was once a gem to Kashmir, now faces severe eutrophication and pollution. These environmental shifts pose a threat to biodiversity and push endemic species towards extinction.

Climate change poses a lasting negative effect on the economic prospects of Kashmir. The backbone of the economy of Kashmir, agriculture, now faces acute assault from climate change. Erratic precipitation patterns  and dwindling snowfall devastate crop production, severely affecting farmers’ livelihoods. According to the Journal of Agriculture 2020 Saffron cultivation, which is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, has declined significantly. Experts say that 120 to 160 Kilograms of saffron was being produced from a hectare of land in 2005, compared to just 12 kilograms in recent years.

Additionally the tourism industry, another important revenue source, is also affected. Rising temperatures and decrease in snowfall reduces the appeal of winter sports and celebrations, reducing visitors. Moreover the increased frequency of disasters drains the local resources. Floods, landslides and cloudbursts are frequent to the valley. The funds which earlier were used for development plans are now used as disaster relief funds.

Climate change threatens the very existence of Kashmir. United efforts from government, NGOs and individuals can prove to be imperative. To address these challenges, vital strategies include flood protection measures, climate-smart infrastructure and climate resilient agriculture. Sustainable practices, such as organic farming, which includes reduced chemical usage and enrichment of natural soil and agroforestry, which includes integrating trees into farming systems can prove to be resilient against such challenges. Promotion of “Ecotourism initiatives’’ further helps in contributing towards protection of this ‘Paradise On Earth’. This helps in a way that visitors not only cherish the beauty of this valley but also protect it. In the end, as we strive to protect this heaven we must understand that climate change is not just an environmental issue, but a humanitarian imperative.

By:Naveed Parray