The Environmental Challenges Facing Ladakh

T H E E N V I R O N M E N TA L C H A L L E N G E S FA C I N G LADAKH Michael Kern Craniosacral Therapy Educational Trust

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MICHAEL KERN

Climate Change: THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES FACING LADAKH

Ladakh is located in the Indian Himalayan mountain range, bordering with Tibet and Pakistan. It has an arid, desert climate and little natural rainfall, as the monsoon rains from

India usually cannot get over the high peaks that surround Ladakh. Winter temperatures get down to around minus 30C, and summer temperatures often reach plus 30C.

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With climate change causing less snow to fall and therefore melt, Ladakhi people saw annual precipitation drop between 50% and 80% over the four years from 2013 to 2017.

This makes the environment challenging at best. However, as farmers and other local people deal with the fall-out of climate change, conditions are only getting harder.

Less Snowfall

Rising Temperatures

Traditionally, Ladakhi people have relied on glaciers for a large percentage of their water. Melting snow from the mountains refreshes the rivers and lakes and provides water for drinking and crop irrigation. With climate change causing less snow to fall and therefore melt, Ladakhi people saw annual precipitation drop between 50% and 80% over the four years from 2013 to 2017.

The average temperature in Ladakh has risen by three degrees over the past forty years. This has meant that the glaciers have gradually begun to melt. While temporarily this may seem like an additional source of water, reserves are fast running out, causing uncertainty about water availability in the future. Agriculture is suffering and crops are becoming more difficult to grow.

MICHAEL KERN

By visiting the blog of Michael Kern, you can find out how the Druk Padma Karpo School has been designed to overcome the specific environmental challenges facing Ladakh.