An Integrative and Joint Approach to Climate Impacts, Hydrological Risks and Adaptation in the Indian Himalayan Region

Climate change has enormous impacts on the cryosphere In the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) which have been increasingly documented over the past years. The effects of cryosphere change on people, ecosystems and economic sectors is less clear but bears important risks. Adaptation to changing conditions and risks is a priority for the region. Here we draw on experiences of Indo-Swiss collaborations in the field of climate change, cryosphere, risks and adaptation in the IHR. First, we provide a synthesis of the climate and cryosphere in the IHR, and related impacts on downstream communities and systems. Second, we analyze the associated risks from a conceptual and adaptation perspective. We then introduce concepts of co-production of knowledge as an approach to an inclusive and sustainable adaptation process which includes the development of future scenarios with a wide range of stakeholders. We visualize this approach using examples of the water resource sector.