Climate Change Analysis in Rangit Basin of Sikkim Himalaya

Abstract

Climate change (CC) is a topic of discussion not only among academicians but also among the general public. It is becoming more evident in increasing agricultural challenges, extreme events, and water scarcity. The changing climatic trends may threaten small farmers and traditional communities living in fragile ecosystems like the Himalayas. Although the scientific community is looking to understand the change better, at the same time, it is equally important to know how locals perceive the climate threat and adaptive capacity. This article intends to analyse and perceive CC in the Rangit Basin, Sikkim. A primary survey of 210 respondents was conducted across three altitudinal zones (low: up to 1,000 m, middle: 1,000–2,000 m, and high: above 2,000 m) to understand the local perception, associated agricultural challenges, and analysis of meteorological data. As primary tools, interviews, household surveys, and FGD were undertaken. The study concludes that these farmers perceive a change in climate, which varies across villages and altitudes. The temperature (0.0001) analysis shows an increasing trend, whereas precipitation also shows a slightly increasing trend (0.126), but a decline in the winter season. Local adaptive measures, indigenous knowledge, and practices could play a vital role in mitigating and adapting to change. Also, the policy interventions at various levels could help these farmers cope, mitigate, and adapt to climate vulnerabilities.