This book provides a unique and comprehensive assessment of the changes that have been taking place in the Himalayas. It describes in detail all the aspects of change, both natural and cultural, along with their implications, and suggests policy measures to help mitigate them. The book is divided into two major sections on natural changes and cultural changes and 11 chapters: an introduction, six addressing changes that concern natural aspects, and four exploring cultural changes and presenting the book's conclusions. The content is based on a study conducted using a participatory observation/empirical method. Time series data from secondary sources is also included, helping to analyze the various changes. The findings are presented in the form of color graphs, models, maps, photographs, and tables. ****

The book offers a valuable resource for policymakers, and will prove equally useful for all other stakeholders, e.g. researchers, students and development agents.

Presents an empirical and observational study of environmental and cultural change in the Himalayas Provides detailed descriptions of the recent changes, addressing both natural and cultural aspects Features a wealth of illustrated color maps, graphs, models and tables

Autorentext
Vishwambhar Prasad Sati, born in 1966, holds a Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) and Ph.D. degrees, currently serving as a Senior Professor of Geography and Resource Management and Dean of Faculty, School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resources Management at Mizoram University, a Central University in Aizawl, India. With nearly three decades of teaching experience, he has contributed to various higher education institutions within and outside India, including the Eritrea Institute of Technology in Asmara, Eritrea (NE Africa), the Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment in Chengdu, China, and HNB Garhwal University in Srinagar Garhwal. Throughout his illustrious career, he has actively engaged in research, holding prestigious positions as a Presidential (PIFI) Fellow/Visiting Professor (2016) ‘Chinese Academy of Sciences’ (CAS), Visiting Scientist (2014) ‘Chinese Academy of Sciences’, Visiting Scholar (2010) ‘The World Academy of Sciences’ (TWAS), Visiting Scientist (2012) ‘Indian National Science Academy’ (INSA), General Fellow (2008-2009) ‘Indian Council of Social Science Research’ (ICSSR), and Associate (2008) ‘Indian Institute of Advanced Study’ (IIAS). He is recognized as 0.5% researchers of the world and 50 top influential academicians of India. Furthermore, he has received recognition for his contributions, including a Visiting Professor Award from the Ministry of Education and Science at Lviv Polytechnic National University in Lviv, Ukraine, IMPRI India, a Best Paper Award from Natural Hazards Research (an Elsevier Journal), Best Presentation Award in the International Conference, held at Jurich, Switzerland, and the title of Senior Global Fellow from the Grassroots Institute in Canada. His extensive academic travels, spanning 50 countries and all over India, have contributed to his comprehensive understanding of diverse geographical landscapes. Additionally, he has successfully supervised more than a dozen Ph.D. scholars. His expertise lies in Natural Resource Management, Environment-Development Interface, Climate Change, Rural Livelihoods, Disaster-Related issues, and the Culture of the Himalayan region. Vishwambhar Prasad Sati has developed numerous models and action plans for environmental conservation and economic development in the fragile Himalayan ecosystems. His impactful contributions extend to more than 200 research papers and articles and over three dozen published books, establishing his academic legacy at both national and international levels.

Inhalt

Introduction.- Natural Aspects.- Chapter 1.- Geography and Geology.- Chapter 2.- The Climate of the Uttarakhand Himalaya.- Chapter 3.- Glaciers of the Uttarakhand Himalaya.- Chapter 4.- Water Resources and Change.- Chapter 5.- Forests of Uttarakhand Himalaya.- Chapter 6.- Increasing Events of Disasters.- Chapter 7.- Change in Culture and Customs.- Chapter 8.- Population, Social and Economic Change.- Chapter 9.- Migration and Agrarian Change.- Chapter 10.- Sustainable Development under Changing Environment.- Chapter 11.- Conclusions: Drivers of Change, Resilience and Adaptation.- Index.