Impact of global changes on mountains : responses and adaptation / editors, Velma I. Grover, Axel Borsdorf, Jürgen Heinz Breuste, Prakash Chandra Tiwari, Flavia Witkowski Frangetto.
Section 1. Introduction -- Section 2. Drivers for Change and Impact of Global Changes on Mountains -- Section 3. Adaptation and Mitigation : Strategies and Models -- Section 4. Governance and Legal Issues in Mountains -- Section 5. Case Studies.
Summary:
Mountain regions encompass nearly 24% of the total land surface of the earth and are home to approximately 12% of the world's population; they are very crucial in terms of their ecosystem services that sustain human society both in highlands and the lowlands. During recent years, the traditional resource-use-structure in high mountain areas has changed mainly in response to globalizing economy and increased population. As a result, mountain regions are passing through a process of rapid environmental change, with increased exploitation and depletion of natural resources leading to ecological imbalances and economic unsustainability. Moreover, the changing climatic conditions have already stressed mountain ecosystems through higher mean annual temperatures and melting of glaciers and snow, and altered precipitation patterns. This book addresses these critical issues and looks at ways to stop the downward spiral of resource degradation, rural poverty and food and livelihood insecurity in mountain regions; it discusses new and comprehensive approaches to mountain development that are needed that identify sustainable resource development practices, as well as how to strengthen local institutions and knowledge systems, and how to increase the resilience between mountain environments and their inhabitants.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.