Journal of Environmental and Geographical Studies

Influence of Climate Change on Formation and Stability of Glacial Lakes in the Himalayas

Nabajit A. Singh, Pranjal Jamir, S.K. Kumar — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the influence of climate change on the formation and stability of glacial lakes in the Himalayas, with a focus on understanding the impacts on local communities, water resources, and regional ecosystems.

Methods: A desktop literature review was used in this study. Relevant journal articles for the study were identified using search engines such as Google Scholar, Google Books, Semantic Scholar, Science.gov and ResearchGate.

Results: The study revealed that climate change has played a significant role in the formation and stability of glacial lakes in the Himalayas. As temperatures continue to rise, the rate of glacial retreat and melting has accelerated, leading to the formation of new glacial lakes and the expansion of existing ones. This has resulted in an increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), posing threats to downstream communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems.

Conclusion: Changes in precipitation patterns and temperature regimes have altered the hydrological dynamics of glacial lakes in the Himalayas, affecting their volume, water levels, and stability. Variations in the timing and intensity of meltwater inputs, coupled with the destabilization of moraine dams and ice dams, have increased the occurrence of GLOFs.

Recommendation: Further research is needed to better understand the long-term impacts of climate change on glacial lakes and their surrounding ecosystems, as well as to identify best practices for enhancing the resilience of local communities and ecosystems to these changes.

Socioeconomic Ramifications of Sea Level Rise in the Maldives: A Holistic Assessment of Impacts and Adaptation Strategies

Mohamed Hussain Ali, Mohamed Jaleel — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the socioeconomic impacts of Sea Level Rise in the Maldives and exploring the adaptation strategies.

Methods: Through comprehensive analysis of existing literature, reports and policy documents a thorough understanding of the impacts and potential adaptation strategies related to sea level rise in the Maldives was achieved.

Results: The study revealed that sea level rise in the Maldives poses grave threats to infrastructure, economy, livelihoods, and human health in the Maldives. Vulnerable coastal communities are at increased risk of displacement, loss of income, and compromised access to basic services. However, the study identifies a range of adaptation strategies, including coastal protection measures, sustainable land-use planning, livelihood diversification, and community-based initiatives, to enhance resilience.

Conclusion: The potential for widespread inundation, coastal erosion, and the degradation of ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves has severe implications for the Maldivian economy, culture, and way of life. The Maldives heavily relies on tourism and fisheries for economic sustenance, and these sectors are highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of sea level rise.

Recommendations: The Maldivian government should invest in both hard and soft coastal protection measures, such as seawalls, breakwaters, and mangrove restoration projects, to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise on critical infrastructure and valuable ecosystems. In addition, economic diversification is crucial to reducing the Maldives' vulnerability to sea level rise. Promoting alternative industries, such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and technology services, can create new sources of income and employment, while reducing dependence on tourism and fisheries.

Assessing the Contributions of Nypa fruticans wumb in Climate Change Mitigation by Accounting for the Above Ground Carbon Stock within the Douala-Edea National Park, Littoral Region, Cameroon

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: Nypa fruticans Wurmb is a palm species found in mangrove ecosystems with moderate salt load which circumscribes well to the actual areas of its occurrence in the gradient from seawater habitats to inland sites. This study aimed at carrying out a baseline assessment of above ground carbon stock in stands of Nypa fruticans wurmb.

Methods: Representative samples of seedlings, juveniles, adults and mature stands were harvested through a destructive sampling technique. These samples were air dried and further oven dried in the laboratory at 105°C until a constant mass was attained. The biomass was then converted to per carbon stock using the published carbon concentration of 0.5 for above-ground biomass.

Results: Nypa fruticans wurmb has an average estimated carbon per mature frond of 0.77 kg, followed by the adult fronts with average estimated carbon per frond of 0.24 kg, the juvenile records an average carbon per juvenile frond of 0.11 kg and the seedlings with average estimated carbon per seedling frond of 0.02 kg.

Conclusion: Nypa fruticans wurmb have a relatively small amount of biomass and carbon stock as compared to other woody mangrove species.

Recommendations: It is recommended that, carbon in the roots of this palm should be evaluated to complete the required information on this subject. The spread of this palm should be checked due to its negative impact on native mangroves and the indirect adverse effects it poses to climate change mitigation.