Environmental change perception and engagement of mountainous people in Western Himalayas, at Rajouri District, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Abstract

AbstractSubstantial temperature rise is reported in the Himalayas and the vulnerability of the region to climate change is well recognized. Apt adaptation strategy to cope with climate change calls for informed peoples’ participation, which was rarely investigated in Western Himalaya. Having been better informed, people in developed areas adopt better actions against climate change well guided by their perception. In contrast, Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir represents a relatively impoverished and climate change vulnerable region. We, therefore, gauge people’s perceptions and actions in this area based on a household survey from 717 randomly selected individuals. Further, consistency of perception was compared with meteorological records on temperature, humidity, wind speed, rainfall, and aboveground biomass from 1983 - 2013. The findings revealed that temperature increases significantly, while changes in rainfall, wind speed, and relative humidity were insignificant. Although people sensed a rise in temperature and deforestation right, most of them differ with respect to rainfall, wind speed, and humidity. They reported rising pollution and traffic, but no change in crop productivity or crop varieties. Of the respondents, 91% considered climate change as a risk, 86.8% reported reactive actions to it and 82.8% reported proactive actions. Locals from varied socio-economic backgrounds are not much informed about climate change; hence, the reasonability of their responses and positive adaptation actions needs further research. To engage people in climate adaptation actions, we suggest disseminating precise scientific information about local climate through awareness programs and by engaging them in climate change activities through suitable organizations.