Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Climatic changes and their impact on socio-economic sectors in the Bhutan Himalayas: an implementation strategy

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Regional Environmental Change Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This paper contributes to an enhanced understanding of present climatic conditions, observed climate trends and regional climate vulnerability of the Bhutan Himalayas. Bhutan’s complex, often high-altitude terrain and the severe impact of the Indian summer monsoon leads to a strong exposure of the countries’ key economic sectors (agriculture, forestry, hydropower generation and tourism) to climatic changes. Climate change also threatens Bhutan’s vast biodiversity and increases the likelihood of natural hazards (e.g. glacier lake outburst floods, flash floods, droughts and forest fires). A better understanding of Bhutan’s climate and its variability, as well as observed and possible climate impacts, will help in improving the handling of regional social, economic and ecologic challenges not limited to the Himalayas. Only a few climatological studies exist for the eastern Himalayas. They mainly focus on adaptation to immediate threats by glacier lake outbursts. In contrast, this paper (1) investigates the average spatial and inner-annual diversity of the air temperature regime of Bhutan, based on local meteorological observations, (2) discusses past temperature variability, based on global datasets, and (3) relates effects of observed warming to water availability, hydropower development, natural hazards, forests, biodiversity, agriculture, human health and tourism in the Bhutan Himalayas. Results indicate a large spatial and temporal temperature variability within Bhutan and considerably increasing temperatures especially over recent decades. Implications of regional climatic changes on various socio-economic sectors and possible adaptation efforts are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. The Bhutan National Environment Commission (NEC), a governmental focal agency to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), mainly manages the few existing projects. Some of the activities are (1) the National Adaptation Programme of Action to Climate Change (NAPA), (2) the Second National Communication to UNFCCC (SNC) and (3) Climate Change Adaptation Needs Assessment (SNC 2011).

  2. Those sites are primarily used for the recently introduced weather forecasts.

  3. Previous major GLOF's occurred in the years 1957, 1960 and 1968 (Komori 2008; NEC 2011).

References

  • Ageta Y, Iwata S (1999) The assessment of Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in Bhutan, report of Japan–Bhutan Joint Research 1998. Japan/Bhutan: Institute of Hydrospheric-Atmospheric Sciences of Nagoya University, Department of Geography of Tokyo Metropolitan University, and the Geological Survey of Bhutan

  • Ageta Y, Iwata S, Yabuki H, Naito N, Sakai A, Narma C, Karma (2000) Expansion of glacier lakes in recent decades in the Bhutan Himalayas. In: Nakawo M, Raymond CF, Fountain A (ed) Debris covered glaciers. Proceedings of a workshop held in September 2000 in Seattle, Washington, USA. IAHS Publication no. 264, pp 165–175. ISBN: 1-901502-31-7

  • Ageta Y, Naito N, Nakawo M, Fujita K, Shankar K, Pokhrel AP, Wangda D (2001) Study project on the recent rapid shrinkage of summer-accumulation type glaciers in the Himalayas, 1997–1999. Bull Glaciol Res 18:45–49

    Google Scholar 

  • Allan R, Ansell T (2006) A new globally complete monthly historical gridded mean sea level pressure dataset (HadSLP2): 1850–2004. J Clim 19:5816–5842. doi:10.1175/JCLI3937.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andy H, Sari K, Diarmid CL, Carlos C (2006) Climate change and human health: impacts, vulnerability and public health. Public Health 120(7):585–596. doi:10.1016/j.puhe.2006.01.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anisimov O, Kokorev V, Zhiltcova Y (2012) Temporal and spatial patterns of modern climate warming: case study of northern Eurasia. Clim Change 118:871–883. doi:10.1007/s10584-013-0697-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bajracharya SR, Pradeep KM, ShresthaBR (2007) Impact of climate change on Himalayan glaciers and glacial lakes: case studies on GLOF and associated hazards in Nepal and Bhutan. International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), p 131. ISBN: 978-92-9115-032-8

  • Bajracharya SR, Pradeep KM, Shrestha BR (2008) Global climate change and melting of Himalayan glaciers. In: Ranade PS (ed) Melting glaciers and rising sea levels: impacts and implications. The Icfai’s University Press, Hyderabad, pp 28–46. ISBN 9788131414156

    Google Scholar 

  • Balling RC Jr, Vose RS, Weber GR (1998) Analysis of long-term European temperature records: 1751–1995. Clim Res 10:193–200. doi:10.3354/cr010193

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • BEA (Bhutan Electricity Authority) (2010) Druk Green Power Corporation Limited, Tariff Review Report, p 66

  • Becker AC, Korner C, Brun J, Guisan A, Tappelner U (2007) Ecological and land use studies along elevational gradients. Mt Res Dev 27:58–65. doi:10.1659/0276-4741

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bhutiyani MR, Vishwas SK, Pawar NJ (2007) Long-term trends in maximum, minimum and mean air temperatures across the Northwestern Himalaya during the twentieth century. Clim Change 85(1–2):159–177. doi:10.1007/s10584-006-9196-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bhutiyani MR, Kale VS, Pawar NJ (2010) Climate change and the precipitation variations in the northwestern Himalaya: 1866–2006. Int J Climatol 30:535–548. doi:10.1002/joc.1920

    Google Scholar 

  • Bisht M (2012) Bhutan–India Power Cooperation: benefits beyond bilateralism. Strateg Anal 36(5):787–803. doi:10.1080/09700161.2012.712390

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Biswas AK (2011) Cooperation or conflict in trans-boundary water management: case study of south Asia. Hydrol Sci J 56(4):662–670. doi:10.1080/02626667.2011.572886

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chhopel GK, Dulal IR, Chhophel K, Wangchuk C, Rinzin U, Dupchu K, Kunzang, Tse-ring K, Tshethar K, Dorji U, Wangchuk T, Lhamo T, Nidup J (2011) Securing the natural freshwater systems of the Bhutan Himalayas: Climate change and adaptation measures on water resources in Bhutan. A climate summit for a living Himalaya. (http://sa.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/file/Water_Paper_Bhutan.pdf). Accessed 1 July 2015

  • Compo GP, Whitaker JS, Sardeshmukh PD, Matsui N, Allan RJ, Yin X, Gleason BE, Vose RS, Rutledge G, Bessemoulin P, Brönnimann S, Brunet M, Crouthamel RI, Grant AN, Groisman PY, Jones PD, Kruk MC, Kruger AC, Marshall GJ, Maugeri M, Mok HY, Nordli Ø, Ross TF, Trigo RM, Wang XL, Woodruff SD, Worley SJ (2011) The twentieth century reanalysis project. Q J R Meteorol Soc 137:1–28. doi:10.1002/qj.776

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Corlett R, Lafrankie A (1998) Potential impacts of climate change on tropical Asian forests through an influence on phenology. Clim Change 39:439–453. doi:10.1023/A:1005328124567

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cox PA, Cox KN (eds) (1997) Encyclopaedia of rhododendron species. Glendoick Publishing, Perth, p 416. ISBN: 9780953053308

  • Dahal RK, Hasegawa S (2008) Representative rainfall thresholds for landslides in the Nepal Himalaya. Geomorphology 100(3–4):429–443. doi:10.1016/j.geomorph.2008.01.014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dema K (2013). Climate change and human health in Bhutan. Kuensel issue of November 30, 2013

  • Dhakal DNS, Jenkins GP (2013) Risk sharing in hydro power development: case study of the Chukha Hydel Project in Bhutan. Water Policy 15(S1):109–125. doi:10.2166/wp.2013.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dimri AP, Dash SK (2012) Winter time climatic trends in the western Himalayas. Clim Change 111:775–800. doi:10.1007/s10584-011-0201-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dingman SL (1994) Physical hydrology. Prentice-Hall, New Jersey, p 575. ISBN: 978-1577665618

  • Ebi KL, Woodruff R, Hilderbandt AV, Corvalan C (2007) Climate change related health impacts in the Hindu Kush Himalayas. EcoHealth 4:264–270. doi:10.1007/s10393-007-0119-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eguchi T (1987) Synoptic and meso-analysis of climatic conditions in Bhutan from September through November in, 1985. In: Ohsawa M (ed) Life zone ecology of the Bhutan Himalaya. Laboratory of Ecology, Chiba University, Chiba, pp 249–279

    Google Scholar 

  • Eguchi T (1997) Regional and temporal variations in precipitation in the Eastern Himalayas. Faculty of Humanities and Economics, Kochi University, Kami, pp 55–82

    Google Scholar 

  • Eguchi T (2008) Regional difference in thermal and moisture conditions on the slope of Tsang Chu basin, Bhutan Himalaya. Geogr Rep Tokyo Metrop Univ 43:99–106

    Google Scholar 

  • Eguchi T, Wangda P (2011) Synoptic and local analysis of relationship between climate and forest in the Bhutan Himalaya (Preliminary report). Renewable Natural Resources—Research and Development Centre Yusipang, Department of Forest and Park Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Forest, 2011/01, p 33

  • Eguchi T, Wangda P (2012) Difference in temperature between shallow and deep valleys of the Bhutan Himalaya. Reg Views (ed. by Komazawa University, Japan) 25:1–7

  • Francesco B, Roberto R, Richard SJT (2006) Economy-wide estimates of the implications of climate change: human health. Ecol Econ 58(3):579–591. doi:10.1016/j.ecolecon.2005.07.032

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Frich P, Alexander LV, Della-Marta P, Gleason B, Haylock MK, Tank AMG, Peterson T (2002) Observed coherent changes in climatic extremes during the second half of the twentieth century. Clim Res 19:193–212. doi:10.3354/cr019193

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gong DY, Ho CH (2001) The Siberian High and climate change over middle to high latitude Asia. Theor Appl Climatol 72:1–9. doi:10.1007/s007040200008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gurung TR (2012) Agricultural transformation in a remote community of Kengkhar, Mongar, Bhutan. J Renew Nat Res 8(1):1–12

    Google Scholar 

  • Gurung DB, Seeland K (2009) Ecotourism benefits and livelihood improvement for sustainable development in the nature conservation areas of Bhutan. Sustain Dev 19(5):348–358. doi:10.1002/sd.443

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gurung DR, Kulkarni AV, Giriraj A, Aung KS, Shrestha B (2012) Monitoring of seasonal snow cover in Bhutan using remote sensing technique. Curr Sci India 101(10):1364–1370

    Google Scholar 

  • Hartmann DL, Klein Tank AMG, Rusticucci M, Alexander LV, Brönnimann S, Charabi Y, Dentener FJ, Dlugokencky EJ, Easterling DR, Kaplan A, Soden BJ, Thorne PW, Wild M, Zhai PM (2013) Observations: atmosphere and surface. In: Stocker TF, Qin D, Plattner GK, Tignor M, Allen SK, Boschung J, Nauels A, Xia Y, Bex V, Midgley PM (eds.) Climate change 2013: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA, pp 159–254, DOI:10.1017/CBO9781107415324.008

  • Hoy A (2013) Atmospheric circulation variability and relation to climate. Dissertation. TU Bergakademie Freiberg, p 146

  • IGES (Institute for Global Environmental Strategies), ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (2012) Climate change challenges in the mountains: implication to adaptation needs of the Hindu Kush Himalayas. Hayama, Japan

    Google Scholar 

  • Immerzeel WW, van Beek LPH, Bierkens MFP (2010) Climate change will affect the Asian water towers. Science 328(5984):1382–1385. doi:10.1126/science.1183188

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2007) Summary for policymakers. In: Climate change 2007: impacts, adaptation and vulnerability. Contribution of working group II to the fourth assessment report of the intergovernmental panel on climate change. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge/New York. ISBN: 978 0521 88009-1

  • Ives JD, Shrestha RB, Mool PK (2010) Formation of glacial lakes in the Hindu Kush–Himalaya and GLOF risk assessment. International Centre for Integrated Mountain Research (ICIMOD), p 94. ISBN: 978929115137 0

  • Jiménez Cisneros BE, Oki T, Arnell NW, Benito G, Cogley JG, Döll P, Jiang T, Mwakalila SS (2014) Freshwater resources. In: Field CB, Barros VR, Dokken DJ, Mach KJ, Mastrandrea MD, Bilir TE, Chatterjee M, Ebi KL, Estrada YO, Genova RC, Girma B, Kissel ES, Levy AN, MacCracken S, Mastrandrea PR, White LL (eds.) Climate change 2014: impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability. Part A: global and sectoral aspects. contribution of working group II to the fifth assessment report of the intergovernmental panel on climate change. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA, pp 229–269. ISBN: 9781107641655

  • Karan PP (1968) Review of Bhutan: a physical and cultural geography. Prof Geogr 20(2):136–137

    Google Scholar 

  • Karma Ageta Y, Naito N, Iwata S, Yabuki H (2003) Glacier distribution in the Himalayas and glacier shrinkage from 1963 to 1993 in the Bhutan Himalayas. Bull Glaciol Res 20:29–40

    Google Scholar 

  • Karma T, Ghalley KS, Thinley U (2008). Hazard zonation for glacial lake outburst flood along Punatsangchu from Khuruthang to Lhamoyzinkha. DGM-NCAP Project (October 2006–May 2008)

  • Komori J (2008) Recent expansions of glacial lakes in the Bhutan Himalayas. Quat Int 184(1):177–186. doi:10.1016/j.quaint.2007.09.012

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Komori J, Koike T, Yamanokuchi T, Tshering P (2012) Glacier lake outburst events in the Bhutan Himalayas. Global Environ Res 16:59–70

    Google Scholar 

  • Kothawale DR, Rupa Kumar K (2005) On the recent changes in surface temperature trends over India. Geophys Res Lett 32:L18714. doi:10.1029/2005GL023528

    Google Scholar 

  • Kusters K, Wangdi N (2013) The costs of adaptation: changes in water availability and farmers’ responses in Punakha district, Bhutan. Int J Glob Warm 5(4):387–399. doi:10.1504/IJGW.2013.057287

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li L, Yang S, Wang Z, Zhu X, Tang H (2010) Evidence of warming and wetting climate over the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. Arct Antarct Alp Res 42(4):449–457. doi:10.1657/1938-4246-42.4.449

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu X, Chen B (2000) Climatic warming in the Tibetan Plateau during recent decades. Int J Climatol 20:1729–1742. doi:10.1002/1097-0088

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lobell DB, Burke MB, Tebaldi C, Mastrandrea MD, Falcon WP, Naylor RL (2008) Prioritizing climate change adaptation needs for food security in 2030. Science 319:607–610. doi:10.1126/science.1152339

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Macchi M, Gurung AM, Hoermann B, Choudhury D (2011) Climate variability and change in the Himalayas community perceptions and responses. International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu, p 78. ISBN: 9789291152261

  • Marzeion B, Cogley JG, Richter K, Parkes D (2014) Attribution of global glacier mass loss to anthropogenic and natural causes. Science 345:919–921. doi:10.1126/science.1254702

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maskey S, Uhlenbrook S, Ojha S (2011) An analysis of snow cover changes in the Himalayan region using MODIS snow products and in situ temperature data. Clim Change 108(1–2):391–400. doi:10.1007/s10584-011-0181-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCarty JP (2001) Ecological consequences of recent climate change. Conserv Biol 15:320–331. doi:10.1046/j.1523-1739.2001.015002320.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meenawat H, Sovacool BK (2011) Improving adaptive capacity and resilience in Bhutan. Mitig Adapt Strateg Glob Change 16(5):515–533. doi:10.1007/s11027-010-9277-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mool PK, Wangda D, Bajracharya SR, Kunzang K, Gurung DR, Joshi SP (2001) Inventory of glaciers, glacial lakes and glacial lake outburst floods monitoring and early warning systems in the Hindu Kush–Himalayan Region: Bhutan. International Centre of Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), p 254. ISBN: 92-9115-362-1

  • Morice CR, Kennedy JJ, Rayner NA, Jones PD (2012) Quantifying uncertainties in global and regional temperature change using an ensemble of observational estimates: the HadCRUT4 data set. J Geophys Res 117:D08101. doi:10.1029/2011JD017187

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MoWHS (Ministry of Works and Human Settlement) (2008) Bhutan National urbanization strategy (BNUS). Royal Government of Bhutan, Thimphu 155 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Nayar A (2009) When the ice melts. Nature 461(7267):1042–1044. doi:10.1038/4611042a

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • NBC (National Biodiversity Center) (2011) National action plan: biodiversity persistence and climate change. Retrieved from http://www.nbc.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/National-Paper-on-Biodiversity-and-Climate-Change-_Bhutan1.pdf

  • NCD (Nature Conservation Division) (2002) Biodiversity action plan for Bhutan 2002. Ministry of Agriculture, Royal Government of Bhutan, Thimphu

    Google Scholar 

  • NCD (Nature Conservation Division) (2009) Biodiversity action plan for Bhutan 2009. Ministry of Agriculture, Royal Government of Bhutan, Thimphu

    Google Scholar 

  • NEC (National Environment Commission) (2008) Bhutan environment outlook. Royal Government of Bhutan, p 112

  • NEC (National Environment Commission) (2009) Strategizing climate change for Bhutan. Royal Government of Bhutan, retrieved from http://www.rrcap.unep.org/nsds/uploadedfiles/file/bhutan.pdf

  • NEC (National Environment Commission) (2011) Second national communication to the UNFCCC. Royal Government of Bhutan, Thimphu 160 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • NSB (National Statistical Bureau) (2013) Statistical year book 2013. Royal Government of Bhutan, Thimphu, p 3

  • Nyaupane GP, Chhetri N (2009) Vulnerability to climate change of nature-based tourism in the Nepalese Himalayas. Tour Geogr 11:95–119. doi:10.1080/14616680802643359

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pathak D, Gajurel AP, Mool PK (2010) Climate change impacts on hazards in the eastern Himalayas. Climate change impact and vulnerability in the eastern Himalayas—technical report 5. ICIMOD, Kathmandu, Nepal. ISBN: 978 92 9115 164 6

  • Qian W, Lin X (2004) Regional trends in recent temperature indices in China. Clim Res 27:119–134. doi:10.3354/cr027119

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qin J, Yang K, Liang S, Guo X (2009) The altitudinal dependence of recent rapid warming over the Tibetan Plateau. Clim Change 97(1–2):321–327. doi:10.1007/s10584-009-9733-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rai R, Helen KR, Naresh S, Baburam L (2012) Invasive plants—do they devastate or diversify rural livelihoods? Rural farmers’ perception of three invasive plants in Nepal. J Nat Conserv 20(3):170–176. doi:10.1016/j.jnc.2012.01.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rhein MS, Rintoul R, Aoki S, Campos E, Chambers D, Feely RA, Gulev S, Johnson GC, Josey SA, Kostianoy A, Mauritzen C, Roemmich D, Talley LD, Wang F (2013) Observations: ocean. In: Stocker TF, Qin D, Plattner GK, Tignor M, Allen SK, Boschung J, Nauels A, Xia Y, Bex V, Midgley PM (eds.) Climate change 2013: the physical science basis. Contribution of working group I to the fifth assessment report of the intergovernmental panel on climate change. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA, pp 255–316. doi:10.1017/CBO97811 07415324.010

  • Richardson SD, Reynolds JM (2000) An overview of glacial hazards in the Himalayas. Quat Int 65–66:31–47. doi:10.1016/S1040-6182(99)00035-X

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rinzin C, Vermuellen WJV, Glasbergen P (2007) Ecotourism as a mechanism for sustainable development: the case of Bhutan. Environ Sci 4(2):109–125. doi:10.1080/15693430701365420

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rohde R, Muller RA, Jacobsen R, Muller E, Perlmutter S, Rosenfeld A, Wurtele J, Groom D, Wickham C (2013a) A new estimate of the average earth surface land temperature spanning 1753 to 2011. Geoinf Geostat An Overv 1(1):1–7. doi:10.4172/gigs.1000101

    Google Scholar 

  • Rohde R, Muller R, Jacobsen R, Perlmutter S, Rosenfeld A, Wurtele J, Curry J, Wickham C, Mosher S (2013b) Berkeley earth temperature averaging process. Geoinf Geostat An Overv 1(2):1–13. doi:10.4172/gigs.1000103

    Google Scholar 

  • Rupper S, Schaefer JM, Landon KB, Koenig LS, Tsering K, Cook ER (2012) Sensitivity and response of Bhutanese glaciers to atmospheric warming. Geophys Res Lett 39:L19503. doi:10.1029/2012GL053010

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharma E, Chettri N, Tse-ring K, Shrestha AB, Jing F, Mool P, Eriksson M (2009) Climate change impact and vulnerability in the Eastern Himalayas. ICIMOD Synthesis Report, p 32. ISBN: 978 92 9115 136 3

  • Shi J, Luo Y, Zhou F, He P (2010) The relationship between invasive alien species and main climatic zones. Biodivers Conserv 19:2485–2500. doi:10.1007/s10531-010-9855-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shrestha AB, Devkota LP (2010) Climate change in the eastern Himalayas: observed trends and model projections; Technical Report 1. Kathmandu, ICIMOD, p 20. ISBN: 978 92 9115 153 0

  • Shrestha AB, Wake CP, Mayewski PA, Dibb JE (1999) Maximum temperature trends in the Himalaya and its vicinity: an analysis based on temperature records from Nepal for the period 1971–1994. J Climate 12(9):1–12. doi:10.1175/1520-0442

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • SNC (Second National Communication) (2011) Second National Communication to the UNFCCC. National Environment Commission, Royal Government of Bhutan, p 151. ISBN: 978-99936-865-0-7

  • Sovacool BK, D’Agostino AL, Meenawat H, Rawlani A (2012a) Expert views of climate change adaptation in least developed Asia. J Environ Manage 97:78–88. doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2011.11.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sovacool BK, D’Agostino AL, Rawlani A, Meenawat H (2012b) Improving climate change adaptation in least developed Asia. Environ Sci Policy 21:112–125. doi:10.1016/j.envsci.2012.04.009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tobgay T, Torres CE, Na-Bangchang K (2011) Malaria prevention and control in Bhutan: successes and challenges. Acta Tropic 117:225–228. doi:10.1016/j.actatropica.2010.11.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tshering D, Sithey G (2008) Climate change and health in Bhutan, capacity strengthening in the least developed countries for adaptation to climate change (CLACC), p 33. http://pubs.iied.org/pdfs/G03037.pdf. Accessed 1 July 2015

  • Ukita J, Narama C, Tadono T, Yamanokuchi T, Tomiyama N, Kawamoto S, Abe C, Uda T, Yabuki H, Fujita K, Nishimura K (2011) Glacial lake inventory of Bhutan using ALOS data: Part I: methods and preliminary results. Ann Glaciol 52(58):65–71. doi:10.3189/172756411797252293

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • UNDP (2012) Glacial lake outburst flood. Reducing risk and ensuring preparedness. Report on the international conference. 5.–7.12.2012, Paro Bhutan, p 50

  • Watanabe T, Rothacher D (1996) The 1994 Lugge Tsho glacial lake outburst flood, Bhutan Himalaya. Mt Res Dev 16:77–81. doi:10.2307/3673897

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams JS, Kutzbach J (2007) Projected distributions of novel and disappearing climates by 2100 AD. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 104:5738–5742. doi:10.1073/pnas.0606292104

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • WMO (World Health Organization) (2010) Bhutan Malaria Control Programme Review: A Report. WHO SEA-MAL-264: 1–59

  • Xie H, Ye J, Liu X, Chongyi E (2010) Warming and drying trends on the Tibetan Plateau (1971–2005). Theor Appl Climatol 101:241–253. doi:10.1007/s00704-009-0215-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu J, Grumbine RE, Shrestha A, Eriksson M, Yang X, Wang Y, Wilkesh A (2009) The melting Himalayas: cascading effects of climate change on water, biodiversity and livelihoods. Conserv Biol 23(3):520–530. doi:10.1111/j.1523-1739.2009.01237.x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yao TD, Guo XJ, Lonnie T, Duan KQ, Wang NL, Pu JC, Xu BQ, Yang XX, Sun WZ (2006) δ18O record and temperature change over the past 100 years in ice cores on the Tibetan Plateau. Sci China Ser D Earth Sci 49(1):1–9. doi:10.1007/s11430-004-5096-2

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We thank the Bhutanese DHMS for the supply of local climate data. We also thank the two reviewers for their valuable comments, which helped in improving this publication.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Interdisciplinary Environmental Research Centre, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Brennhausgasse 14, 09599, Freiberg, Germany

    Andreas Hoy & Jörg Matschullat

  2. Department of Forestry, College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan, Lobesa, Bhutan

    Om Katel

  3. Division of Regional Resources Management, Graduate School of Bio-agricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan

    Om Katel

  4. Department of Geography and Planning, Sherubtse College, Royal University of Bhutan, Kanglung, Bhutan

    Pankaj Thapa

  5. Department of Economics, Sherubtse College, Royal University of Bhutan, Kanglung, Bhutan

    Ngawang Dendup

Authors
  1. Andreas Hoy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Om Katel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Pankaj Thapa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Ngawang Dendup
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jörg Matschullat
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Andreas Hoy.

Additional information

Editor: James Pittock.

Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary material 1 (DOCX 18 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Hoy, A., Katel, O., Thapa, P. et al. Climatic changes and their impact on socio-economic sectors in the Bhutan Himalayas: an implementation strategy. Reg Environ Change 16, 1401–1415 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-015-0868-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-015-0868-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation