Kashmir faces severe climate impacts despite minimal emissions contribution: Prof Romshoo
Srinagar, Mar 1: Highlighting the disproportionate consequences of global warming on the Himalayan region, Professor Shakil Romshoo, Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), voiced his concerns over the alarming impacts of climate change in Jammu and Kashmir.
Romshoo was speaking at a workshop, panel discussion on Water, Weather and Well-being (Climate Change in the Kashmir Valley) which was organised by Environment Policy Group (EPG) in collaboration with The Institution of Engineers J&K Centre.
“Climate change is undeniably a global phenomenon. However, it is very unfortunate that the people of Jammu and Kashmir—who contribute insignificantly to global emissions—bear the brunt of its effects,” Prof Romshoo said during his address. "While major global powers and industries produce greenhouse gases, the rise in temperatures and erratic climatic patterns are severely affecting our region."
Delving deeper into the regional impacts of climate change, Prof Romshoo highlighted several worrying trends. "Autumn, traditionally a key season for agriculture and other activities in Kashmir, has shown significant signs of climate change," he pointed out. Lengthy and unprecedented dry spells, like the seven-month-long drought few years, severely disrupted water resources, agriculture, and livelihoods. He also referred to the declining productivity of saffron—a crop integral to Kashmir’s culture and economy—as a direct outcome of shifting climatic conditions.
The Vice Chancellor IUST also discussed extreme weather occurrences in recent years, including the heavy snowfall of 2019 and record-breaking cold temperatures during Chilai Kalan, a 40-day harsh winter period. "In 100 years, globally, the planet has warmed by 0.8°C. However, here in the Kashmir Himalayas, the warming trend is sharper, with temperatures rising by 1.3°C on average," Romshoo revealed.
This heightened warming poses a significant threat to the sensitive Himalayan ecosystem, resulting in shrinking glaciers, erratic rainfall, and an increased risk of natural disasters like floods and landslides.
Prof Romshoo emphasised that the impacts of climate change extend far beyond environmental shifts, affecting all sectors of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. "From water security to food security and energy security, every aspect of human activity here is being affected," he said. "Even though Jammu and Kashmir sit on the ‘water tower of Asia,’ with rivers supporting neighbouring countries like Pakistan, mismanagement and changing climate patterns are creating water shortages within the region itself, that is why we are seeing water shortage in Kashmir also."
Speaking at the event, Faiz Bakshi, Convenor of the Environmental Policy Group (EPG)—a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental advocacy—emphasised the urgent need to address the challenges posed by climate change in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Climate change is no longer a distant concern; it is a pressing reality with profound implications for the Kashmir Valley’s environment, economy, and public health.” Highlighting the fragile ecosystem of the region, he noted the increasing prevalence of erratic weather patterns, unpredictable precipitation, and rising temperatures, which are impacting water availability, disrupting agricultural cycles, increasing health risks, and fostering economic instability.
"The workshop provided a collaborative platform, bringing together experts, policymakers, academicians, and civil society representatives to deliberate on vulnerabilities, identify adaptation measures, and recommend policies to enhance the region's resilience," Bakshi said.
The event featured a series of presentations by eminent speakers, each contributing valuable insights to the discussion. Arjumund Hussain Talib, an International Development Specialist, Author, and Founder of Ziraat Times, presented virtually via Zoom offering his perspective on sustainable development and climate challenges.
Dr Jasia Bashir, Assistant Professor in the Department of Planning and Geomatics at the Islamic University of Science and Technology, shared her insights on climate-related impacts and adaptation strategies. This was followed by Dr Khurshid Iqbal, Former Head of Cardiology and Dean at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, who spoke about health vulnerabilities caused by climate change.
Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, an RTI and environmental activist, provided an analysis of key environmental issues and possible mitigation strategies. Maajid Farooq, a scientist from the Department of Environment, Ecology & Remote Sensing and Co-ordinator at the Climate Change Center in J&K, delivered an engaging presentation on the region's climate trends and related data. Dr GN Qasba, Former Commissioner of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), presented his expertise and suggestions on urban climate challenges and solutions. Altaf Ahmad Andrabi, Former Director, concluded the event with his observations and recommendations on addressing climate change impacts at the grassroots level.
These presentations underscored the wide-ranging effects of climate change on water resources, agriculture, tourism, public health, and the economy in Jammu and Kashmir. The session facilitated discussions on mitigation strategies, sustainable practices, and policy recommendations, emphasising the urgent need for collective action to protect the region's fragile ecosystem and ensure environmental sustainability.
