Climate Change and Fuel Wood Energy Use in Cold Desert of Drass in the Himalaya, India

Abstract

This paper has identified the impacts of climate change on fuel wood energy use in Drass, District Kargil, Ladakh in the Himalayan region and drawn the policy implication to improve the livelihoods of the people in the context of climate change using a case study approach. The study reveals that the major source of energy used and consumed in Drass is fuel wood. Almost all energy requirements for cooking and heating are met by burning fuel wood which produces smoke, cause air pollution, emits carbon dioxide and thereby contributes to climate change. Less than half of the farmers grow fuel wood in gardens or homesteads. Most farmers purchased fuel wood from the market. Awareness of environmental effects of using fuel wood is significant. Despite this, the exposure of women to indoor air pollution from biomass fuel combustion was significantly high. The use of cleaner energy was significantly low due to economic reasons as well as inadequate accessibility and availability. Forest resources are meager in Drass. Therefore, efforts should be made to increase forest cover with the stronger participation of local communities. The government sponsored schemes targeting efficient energy usage and energy insecurity should be implemented in letter and spirit through greater people's participation.