Cryosphere Changes, Cascading Disasters, and Societies – A Case in Langtang Valley

Abstract

The high-mountain communities live in the closest vicinity of the cryosphere – snow, ice, and glaciers. Cryosphere contributions are vital for the functioning of life and livelihoods of people in high-mountain areas. In addition to climate change, the mountain communities suffer from multiple hazards and face many socio-economic changes, which have immediate effects on their livelihoods and lifestyles. This research aims to improve the understanding about these changes and their implications for high-mountain livelihoods. Interviews and a group discussion were conducted with the local communities in Langtang valley that experienced a cascading disaster in 2015. The study has found that climate change has exacerbated the risks of cascading disasters in the seismically active area. As a result of the combined effects of climate and socio-economic changes, the communities have become disconnected from snow, mountains, and glaciers. Moreover, they are gradually shifting from diversified livelihoods to overdependence on the competitive tourism sector, which has led to the degeneration of their cultural heritage and the weakening of social capital. All these changes have had cascading effects on local livelihoods, increasing their physical and social vulnerability. There is a need to integrate traditional and scientific knowledge for designing and implementing appropriate adaptation measures through the engagement of diverse stakeholders.