#Thread #UttarakhandGlacialBurst

#Climatechange & #Uttarakhand: The bigger picture

Continuing from our recent study of India’s extreme climate events, we analysed trends in Uttarakhand’s #climate vulnerability & present a bigger picture of the region since the 1970s. 1/n

#UttarakhandGlacialBurst
We found that over 85% of #Uttarakhand's districts, which are home to 9 cr+ people, are hotspots of extreme floods & associated events. Chamoli, #Haridwar, Nainital, Pithoragarh, & Uttarkashi districts are the most vulnerable.
#climatechange 2/n

#UttarakhandGlacierBurst
The frequency & intensity of #Uttarakhand's extreme flood events 4-fold since 1970. Associated flood events like landslides, cloud bursts, glacial lake outbursts, etc. also 4-fold in this period.

Read #PressRelease https://www.ceew.in/press-releases/85-cent-districts-uttarakhand-vulnerable-extreme-floods-ceew 3/n

#UttarakhandGlacialBurst

But, what triggers frequent and recurrent flash floods in #Uttarakhand?

The temperature increase by about 1.3°C in Hindu Kush Himalayas during 1951–2014 has led to microclimatic changes and faster glacial retreat in the state.
#climatechange 4/n

#UttarakhandGlacialBurst

Interestingly, our analysis also found that along with in extreme flood events, droughts also increased 2-fold in #Uttarakhand since 1970. Over 69% districts in the state are now drought-prone.
Read #pressrelease https://www.ceew.in/press-releases/85-cent-districts-uttarakhand-vulnerable-extreme-floods-ceew 5/n

#UttarakhandGlacialBurst

In the last decade, floods & droughts occurred simultaneously in the districts of Almora, #Nainital, & Pithoragarh. This further complicates risk-informed decision making for policymakers & response teams.

#PressRelease https://www.ceew.in/press-releases/85-cent-districts-uttarakhand-vulnerable-extreme-floods-ceew 6/n

#UttarakhandGlacierBurst
What is the way forward to ensure a climate-resilient future?

A focus on land use-based forest restoration could not only reverse the climate imbalance but also help promote sustainable tourism in the state, says @Abinash0294.
#climateaction 7/n

#UttarakhandGlacialBurst

We cannot continue with the folly of a business-as-usual development model. India must chart a more resilient and climate-friendly pathway to economic prosperity and human development, says @GhoshArunabha

#climateaction #climatechange 8/n

#UttarakhandGlacialBurst
The recent flash flood in Uttarakhand is only an example of #India's climate vulnerability. With 75% of our districts being extreme climate events' hotspots, we need a solid plan for #climate resilience & adaptation.
Watch
https://twitter.com/CEEWIndia/status/1337240091639496704?s=20 9/n