Te Hoe AronuiDepartment of Humanities
Te Hoe AronuiDepartment of Humanities
Postgraduate Sustainable Practice Programmes
MSSP802
Special Topic
Project Plan Template
Student Name: Nemish Kamlesh Malviya-99292735
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Special Topic Overview:
Topic Title:
Global warming in Himalayas: Exploring its impact on local communities and ecosystem.
Topic Introduction What is the focus of the topic?
The focus of this topic is to Explore the impact of global warming in the Himalayas on local communities and ecosystems.
Why is this project / topic important and worthwhile?
As the world confronts the escalating consequences of climate change, the concept of global warming emerges as a central concern,(Earle, 2016, p. 593-594) defines Global warming as the sustained increase in Earth's average surface temperature primarily attributable to human activities, notably the release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.
This phenomenon has precipitated a cascade of effects, including the rapid retreat of glaciers, disruption of ecosystems, and intensification of extreme weather events. Glaciers, once stalwart features of the planet's landscape, are now shrinking at alarming rates, contributing to rising sea levels and endangering communities and biodiversity dependent on them (Shrestha et al., 1999). Ecosystems globally are strained, experiencing habitat shifts, biodiversity loss, and heightened susceptibility to invasive species. Furthermore, individuals, particularly those in vulnerable regions, endure the repercussions, including food and water shortages, displacement, and heightened vulnerability to natural calamities.
Among the regions acutely impacted by global warming are the Himalayas, home to millions and a diverse array of ecosystems. The Himalayan populace, deeply intertwined with their surroundings, relies on glaciers for water resources, agriculture, and hydropower (Pandey, 2017). Nonetheless, the warming climate disrupts this delicate equilibrium significantly. Accelerated glacier melt leads to erratic water supplies, imperilling agricultural livelihoods and energy stability. Additionally, the increased incidence of extreme weather events, such as floods and landslides, poses threats to lives and infrastructure.
In response, various policies and mitigation measures have been enacted, encompassing endeavours to curtail greenhouse gas emissions and foster sustainable practices. Despite some progress, the scale of the challenge necessitates further action and innovation.
The imperative to address global warming and its ramifications for regions like the Himalayas is paramount for sustainable development. Through the adoption of sustainable practicessuch as the promotion of renewable energy, conservation of ecosystems, and bolstering community resiliencewe can mitigate the adverse impacts of global warming and strive towards a sustainable future.
Nevertheless, substantial gaps in understanding persist, impeding our ability to effectively tackle the challenges posed by global warming. This project aims to contribute to bridging these gaps by [detailing the project's objectives and methodology], thereby advancing comprehension of the intricate interactions between climate change, ecosystems, and human societies. Ultimately, this endeavour seeks to inform more effective policies and strategies for sustainable development in vulnerable regions such as the Himalayas.
Project aim and Goals The aim of this special topic project is to raise awareness about the impact of global warming in the Himalayas on local communities and ecosystems, as well as to explore potential solutions to address these challenges.
My goals for this special topic are to:
Document and analyse the specific ways in which global warming is affecting communities in the Himalayas.
Identify key participants and resources that can be mobilized to support adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Summarize effective strategies for policymakers, NGOs, local communities on how to address climate change In the region.
Links to the UN Sustainable Development Goals How will your project address / incorporate appropriate UN Sustainable Development Goals?
The project will address appropriate UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on the following aspects:
Goal 13: Climate Action
- The project aims to enhance resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards in the Himalayan region by thoroughly analyzing the specific impacts of global warming on local communities and ecosystems. Through this analysis, the project will support the development of strategies and policies that integrate climate change measures, thereby contributing to the achievement of Target 13.1. Additionally, by fostering awareness and understanding of climate change mitigation and adaptation, the project aligns with Target 13.3.
Goal 15: Life on Land
- Efforts will be made to ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems in the Himalayas. By documenting the effects of global warming on these ecosystems and proposing protective measures, the project contributes to achieving Target 15.1. Moreover, recommendations for sustainable management practices for forests and natural habitats in the region will support efforts to halt deforestation and restore degraded areas, aligning with Target 15.2.
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- The project will identify key participants and resources to support adaptation and mitigation efforts specific to the Himalayan region. This will aid in reducing the number of deaths and people affected by climate-related disasters, in line with Target 11.5. Furthermore, recommendations for improving environmental management practices, including waste management and air quality control, will contribute to reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities and human settlements, aligning with Target 11.6.
Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- By examining the impact of global warming on water resources in the Himalayas, the project will provide valuable insights into water-related challenges and solutions. This aligns with the objective of achieving universal and equitable access to safe drinking water (Target 6.1). Additionally, promoting sustainable water management practices in the region will support efforts to increase water-use efficiency and ensure sustainable freshwater supply, as outlined in Target 6.4.
Goal 1: No Poverty
- Through an assessment of how global warming exacerbates vulnerabilities in the Himalayan communities, the project aims to contribute to building resilience and reducing exposure to climate-related hazards. This aligns with the objective of Target 1.5, which seeks to address the impacts of climate-related shocks and disasters on poverty eradication efforts.
These efforts collectively contribute to advancing sustainable development in the Himalayas and promoting resilience to the impacts of global warming in the region.
Project Work Plan and Timeline To complete this special topic project, the tasks/work (mahi) I will be completing include:
I will be completing task such as analysing information, Creating PowerPoint presentation.
Assessment Task 2: Assignment 2
Assignment 2 should involve investigation and inquiry into your topic to establish a sound conceptual, theoretical, and practical basis through explanation, discussion, and critical engagement with literature and resources related to your topic. This may result in both synthesis of knowledge and developing processes to be applied later in the project.
We encourage you to be creative with the format.
Assignment Type State your project output type (E.g. report, literature review, essay)
Essay
Assessment Task Description Please describe in detail what your project output (assessment task) will involve.
I will be preparing essay on the Global warming in Himalayas: Exploring its impact on local communities and ecosystem.
My essay will involve the following tasks:
Document and analyse the specific ways in which global warming is affecting communities in the Himalayas.(with the use of interactive charts, graphs for better understanding of statistical data.)
Identify key participants and resources that can be mobilized to support adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Summarize effective strategies for policymakers, NGOs, local communities on how to address climate change In the region.
.
Weighting 40%
Due date Please state the due date.
29 April 2024
Hand in instructions Please state how the assessment will be submitted.
Moodle dropboxAssessment Task 3: Assignment 3
Assignment 3 should involve the application of knowledge, i.e. conducting, communicating, planning or evaluating, the information and processes obtained or developed in the investigation and inquiry phase, to advance sustainable practice in particular contexts.
We encourage you to be creative with the format.
Assignment Type State your project output type (E.g. product, photo essay, report, literature review, blog, website, presentation, essay)
PowerPoint Presentation
Assessment Task Description Please describe in detail what your project output (assessment task) will involve.
My PowerPoint presentation aims to highlight the critical impact of global warming in the Himalayas and propose actionable strategies for addressing climate change challenges in the regions.
Weighting 40%
Due date Please state the due date.
14 june 2024
Hand in instructions Please state how the assessment will be submitted.
Moodle dropbox.
