Understanding the Relationship between Global and Local Commons: A Study of Household Perceptions of Climate Change in Leh, India

Abstract

"Ecologically fragile geographical areas most likely to be adversely impacted by climate changes, which can rightly be considered as global commons, are often inhabited by traditional communities dependent upon scarce natural resources for their livelihoods, which are often at subsistence or near subsistence levels. Hence, an understanding of these communities' perceptions and responses to climate change are essential to constructing effective sustainable development strategies that mitigate adverse impacts of climate change. With elevations ranging from 2700m to 7000m, and temperatures ranging from 30°C to -40°C, Leh is Indias highest and one of its most arid, coldest and sparsely populated districts. We analyze the responses to a survey of 14703 households in the district of Leh, located in the Trans-Himalayan province of Ladakh, in Jammu and Kashmir State of India. We find that the perceptions of climate change are widespread and include observations of rise in temperature and heavy snow melt, less snow fall, heavy and untimely rainfall, biodiversity loss etc. These changes in climate in the region have severely affected the use and management of natural resources and hence the livelihoods of the local people."