MAIN CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR SOUTH ASIA REGION

摘要

South Asia region is highly vulnerable to climate change-related extreme events (draughts and floods) that couse colossal damage. The 3-year APN-supported project aimed at identifying trends in climate change and their impact on water resources. Comparison of historical climate date showed a predominant trend towards warming in most parts of the region. The impact on annual precipitation was varied with respect to geographical location and seasons. The severity and duration of draughts and floods also increased significantly during the recent decades in the susceptible areas. Receding of Himalayan glaciers and the incidence of GLOFs increased considerably over time. Field surveys in the draught and flood prone regions provided first hand information about the extent and nature of damage and the efficacy of the mitigation measures taken. Stakeholders meetings in each country recommended measures for policy makers, scientists, relief agencies and the affected communities to better prepare for the challenge of the extreme events and anticipated water shortages in order to minimize the losses and suffering to the affected communities.