Experts warn of severe ecosystem, livelihood impacts amid heatwave
Point to climate change and local factors
Srinagar, July 31: Srinagar, July 30, 2024 – Kashmir has been experiencing increasingly erratic weather patterns in recent years, with Srinagar recording its fourth highest temperature of 36.2 degrees Celsius on July 28, breaking a 30-year record. The city also recorded its highest minimum temperature in 132 years at 24.6 degrees Celsius, highlighting severe impacts of climate change on the region’s ecosystem and livelihoods.
Experts point to fluctuating weather patterns, untimely precipitation, and extreme weather events as growing concerns in Jammu and Kashmir. The region has seen inconsistent temperature increases, with some areas experiencing spikes of 6 to 8 degrees Celsius above average.
Over recent years, the region has seen an inconsistent increase in temperatures, with some areas experiencing spikes of 6 to 8 degrees Celsius above average.
Director MeT, Dr.Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that all extreme weather events in the region are linked to climate change, noting an increase in such events in the Himalayan area in recent years.
“The primary cause of the ongoing heat wave is a prolonged dry spell, which has led to rising temperatures. There has been no significant weather activity due to the absence of major western disturbances over the past several months,” he said.
Dr.Mukhtar said neighboring states, including Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, are experiencing good rainfall. Apart from local factors, PirPanjal range, which acts as a barrier preventing the monsoon from entering Kashmir, he said.
“In addition to these factors, urbanization and pollution play crucial roles. We have seen similar dry spells during the 1990s and early 2000s,” he added.
Noted Environmental expert FaizBakhshi, who is also heading Environmental Policy Group (EPG) said that main reasons behind rapid climate change in Valley include massive deforestation, cutting down of hundreds trees in highway projects, burning of fruit tree twigs and leaves, destruction of wetlands due to mismanagement leading to loss of water retention.
“There is also unplanned and rapid growth of commercial complexes, conversion of agricultural land for commercial purposes, poor planning and development in every part of the Valley,” he said.
Bakhshi said that there are violations of environmental laws, and lack of enforcement of existing regulations. To address the environmental challenges in Kashmir, a comprehensive set of measures should be implemented, targeting various aspects of the ecosystem, urban planning, and public awareness, he added.
Environmental activist SuhailFarooq believes that changing weather patterns in Kashmir, marked by dry winters and extreme summers, are attributed to a combination of global climate change and regional environmental factors.
He said that rise in global temperatures due to increased greenhouse gas emissions leads to altered weather patterns. The Himalayas, including Kashmir, are particularly sensitive to these changes.
“Over the past several decades we have lost a big chunk of forest cover and that has led to a reduction in the natural regulation of temperatures and precipitation. Forests play a crucial role in maintaining regional climate stability by absorbing carbon dioxide and regulating the water cycle,” Suhail said.
Dr.Sarfaraz Ahmad, Environmental Researcher said that Jammu and Kashmir has been experiencing erratic weather patterns for nearly three decades, leading to drought-like conditions, flash floods, and windstorms.
“In 2014, the region witnessed devastating floods due to incessant rains and cloudbursts. Rising temperatures have accelerated the retreat of most glaciers in the Kashmir Himalayas.
He said that Kolahoi Glacier, the largest in Kashmir’s Jhelum Basin, is rapidly shrinking, driven by global warming and extreme pollution. Similarly, the Thajiwas, Hoksar, Nehnar, Shishram, and glaciers around Harmukh are also melting at a fast rate, Dr.Sarfaraz said.
He said that changing weather patterns in Kashmir, including dry winters and extreme summers, are a stark reminder of the broader impacts of climate change. It requires a multi-faceted approach that combines environmental conservation, sustainable development, and community engagement.
