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measures could even include relocations of vulnerable populations, such as
those in the way of anticipated sea level rise (WB and UN 2010). However,
these approaches may not be enough to adequately lower the chance of
catastrophes and may not avail with the ongoing pace of climate change
and the slow responses from the international community. In addition,
the frequency of immediate threat and consequences of climate-related
extreme events is expanding and bringing a range of newly emerging risks.
The global costs of natural disasters have risen 15-fold since 1950, from
US $38 billion (at 1998 values) in 1950-1959 to $652 billion in 1990-1999
(World Bank 2006). The impact is one of large-scale human suffering, loss of
lives and an exponential rise in fi nancial costs (Gaiha et al. 2010). Therefore,
a third option is becoming increasing important: there is an urgent need to
develop a robust and integrated early warning system for climate-related
extreme events to provide actionable warnings to the most vulnerable parts
of the region.
Food and water security in HKH
Another challenge to the Himalayan community is to ensure water and food
security from the changing climate. Water is facing unsustainable demand
from users in the region and is affecting its availability for food production.
Environmental uses of water—a key to ensuring the sustainability in the
long run, often get neglected in water resource management. A sustainable
water scenario allows water for environmental uses maintaining food
production under a business as usual scenario. In addition, broader
strategies are needed in infrastructural development to promote water
supply for irrigation, domestic and industrial purposes, and reform in
water management and policy to conserve and improve the effi ciency of
water use (Rosegrant et al. 2002). This report shows that if current situation
continue, farmers will fi nd it diffi cult to meet the growing demand for food.
Appropriate policies and investments is one of the options suggested for
sustainable use of water that will ensure water security (Bawa et al. 2010).
Regional cooperation is vital to save HKH environment
Environmental problems are increasingly a challenging issue faced by
the HKH countries and one that will require careful cooperation and
advocacy using scientifi c collaboration to streamline political barriers
between countries. Many HKH countries have almost 100% of their
territory and population within international basins. Almost, 39% of the
region's area is within national protected areas, and 20% of this crosses
national boundaries. Receding glaciers, increased fl oods, incident of GLOF
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