Himalayan glaciers [electronic resource] : climate change, water resources, and water security / Committee on Himalayan Glaciers, Hydrology, Climate Change, and Implications for Water Security, Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, Water Science and Technology Board, Division on Earth and Life Studies, Committee on Population, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, National Research Council of the National Academies.
National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on Himalayan Glaciers, Hydrology, Climate Change, and Implications for Water Security, issuing body.; National Research Council (U.S.). Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, issuing body.; National Research Council (U.S.). Water Science and Technology Board, issuing body.; National Research Council (U.S.). Division on Earth and Life Studies, issuing body.; National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on Population, issuing body.; National Research Council (U.S.). Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, issuing body.
2012
QH193.H5 N38 2012eb
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Title Himalayan glaciers [electronic resource] : climate change, water resources, and water security / Committee on Himalayan Glaciers, Hydrology, Climate Change, and Implications for Water Security, Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, Water Science and Technology Board, Division on Earth and Life Studies, Committee on Population, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, National Research Council of the National Academies.
Corporate Author National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on Himalayan Glaciers, Hydrology, Climate Change, and Implications for Water Security, issuing body.
ISBN 9780309260985
0309260981
9780309265454
9780309260992 electronic book
Published Washington, District of Columbia : National Academies Press, [2012]
Copyright ©2012
Language English
Description 1 online resource (155 pages) : illustrations (some color), maps (some color)
Call Number QH193.H5 N38 2012eb
Summary "Scientific evidence shows that most glaciers in South Asia's Hindu Kush Himalayan region are retreating, but the consequences for the region's water supply are unclear, this report finds. The Hindu Kush Himalayan region is the location of several of Asia's great river systems, which provide water for drinking, irrigation, and other uses for about 1.5 billion people. Recent studies show that at lower elevations, glacial retreat is unlikely to cause significant changes in water availability over the next several decades, but other factors, including groundwater depletion and increasing human water use, could have a greater impact. Higher elevation areas could experience altered water flow in some river basins if current rates of glacial retreat continue, but shifts in the location, intensity, and variability of rain and snow due to climate change will likely have a greater impact on regional water supplies. Himalayan Glaciers: Climate Change, Water Resources, and Water Security makes recommendations and sets guidelines for the future of climate change and water security in the Himalayan Region. This report emphasizes that social changes, such as changing patterns of water use and water management decisions, are likely to have at least as much of an impact on water demand as environmental factors do on water supply. Water scarcity will likely affect the rural and urban poor most severely, as these groups have the least capacity to move to new locations as needed. It is predicted that the region will become increasingly urbanized as cities expand to absorb migrants in search of economic opportunities. As living standards and populations rise, water use will likely increase-for example, as more people have diets rich in meat, more water will be needed for agricultural use. The effects of future climate change could further exacerbate water stress. Himalayan Glaciers: Climate Change, Water Resources, and Water Security explains that changes in the availability of water resources could play an increasing role in political tensions, especially if existing water management institutions do not better account for the social, economic, and ecological complexities of the region. To effectively respond to the effects of climate change, water management systems will need to take into account the social, economic, and ecological complexities of the region. This means it will be important to expand research and monitoring programs to gather more detailed, consistent, and accurate data on demographics, water supply, demand, and scarcity."--Publisher's description.
Bibliography, etc. Note Includes bibliographical references (pages 103-114).
Access Note Access limited to authorized users.
Source of Description Description based on print version record.
Added Corporate Author National Research Council (U.S.). Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, issuing body.
National Research Council (U.S.). Water Science and Technology Board, issuing body.
National Research Council (U.S.). Division on Earth and Life Studies, issuing body.
National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on Population, issuing body.
National Research Council (U.S.). Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, issuing body.
Available in Other Form Himalayan glaciers : climate change, water resources, and water security.
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Introduction
Physical geography
Human geography and water resources
Environmental risk and security
Conclusion.

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