Future Sustainability Challenges in Hindu Kush-Himalaya - Impact of Global Changes on Mountains: Responses and Adaptation - page 253

socioeconomic development, for example 12.9 million hectares crop area in
the basin, of which 31% is irrigated and supports 136 million people (11%
of the country population). The basin contains 13% of the total cultivated
area in China and holds 3% of the country's water resources. Interruption of
fl ow in the lower Yellow River is declining groundwater levels, disappearing
lakes, and silting up of river beds causing increased water scarcity in the
basin. Income and population growth are driving rapid increases in water
consumption in the domestic, industrial, and livestock sectors increasing
water stress level from 0.72 to 0.90. Although total irrigated area has seen
increases by 23 percent, irrigation water consumption declines or barely
increases. It is estimated that by 2025, 5% decline in irrigation water
compared to 1995 will slow agricultural production (Rosegrant et al. 2002),
this decline would have serious future implication to the people who directly
depend their livelihoods from Yellow river basin.
A Broad Adaptive Strategies is Needed in Hindu Kush-Himalayan
Region
Since the HKH is proving to be the engine of economic growth in the
21st century, and also taking into account the global economic downturn
and increasing environmental challenges, the rethinking of growth and
development strategy is required. More importantly, improving security in
the region is of foremost importance and a pivotal component for sustainable
development. Building peace and security using water as an instrument
for cooperation between countries can foster understanding among the
Himalayan countries on the shared river basins. Raising awareness of
security risks associated with the water crisis in the Himalayan region to
explore confi dent building and confl ict prevention measures that requires
a paradigm shift from the mindset of confl ict to a mindset of cooperation
and security (SFG 2011).
Adaptation and mitigation are not adequate
Broadly, two approaches to address climate change in HKH. Adaptation
focusing mainly on the rural, agriculture and water sectors while mitigation
strategies focusing on the energy sector and alternative technologies. It
is imperative to continue our efforts to address climate change that are
broadly based on these two approaches. Mitigation measures for emission
reduction to stabilize greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere. For
example technological and socio-economic transition, improving energy
effi ciency and scaling up of renewable energy. Implementation of adaptation
measures for adjusting to actual or expected climate change. Adaptation