Problem Solving
The replacement of fossil and biofuels by renewable energy generation is an essential step towards resolving climate change in the Himalayas with the most prominent method being hydroeletric. Though its effects on reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere may not be immediate, it is an important investment that future generations require. However, the adverse effects of hydroelectric dams are quite severe, displacing wildlife, locals and even their sacred sites. An alternative to a large scale hydroelectric generation is the utilisation small scale hydroelectric turbines to generate electricity for small groups of homes. This is called ‘small hydro’ or ‘micro hydro’. Small hydro may have a capacity up to ten megawatts, which is easily enough to power hundreds of homes. It also has little impact on the environment in comparison with large dams due to its size, runs continuously with more than 90% efficiency and is less vulnerable to floods resulting in lower maintenance costs.26,32 A Himalayan wide small hydro project could provide energy independence for the area, removing the demand for any fossil or biofuels.
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Moving water flows through a pipe to rotate a turbine. The turbine is connected to a generator which converts the kinetic energy of the turbine into electricity. This electricity then has its voltage reduced at a switchyard before being supplies to homes.
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A more immediate solution would be to reduce the amount of aerosols, particularly black carbon (soot) in the regional atmosphere. Black carbon has an extremely short life span in the atmosphere of up to a few months and the burning of wood produces the vast majority of soot emitted into the atmosphere.2,14,29 Therefore, a nation-wide switch from traditional wood stoves to alternate stoves would be effective in decreasing the amount of soot in the atmosphere and mitigating rises in temperature. This would significantly hinder glacial retreat, strengthening the water security of Himalayan communities and decreasing the threat of GLOFs as more water is frozen in the glaciers due to the lower temperatures. Mitigating temperature rises would also ensure the productivity of Himalayan agriculture, as Yaks and crop production are currently being adversely affected by warming.16,23 Individuals who have access to these stoves should immediately make the switch if possible. Projects by NGOs have significantly helped the communities of the Himalayas but a more climate change focused initiative is required if there is to be a long term solution. NGOs should co-operate with residents and local governments in reducing soot to have a more immediate impact on mitigating climate change. Governments should establish new wood burning restriction policies to ensure a vast majority of Himalayan communities are making the switch from traditional wood stoves. Wood burning restriction policies would have a very immediate impact upon reducing black carbon levels in the atmosphere as the residents would be obligated to follow the law. However these solutions will not work without proper communication between different groups and communities. In order to completely resolve these issues, the co-operation of residents, groups including NGOs and national governments is essential.
Currently the main problems effecting species loss is of course habitat loss, as well poaching. These problems are further more caused by socio-economic problems. Due to the lack of resources within the Himalayas, jobs of are extremely limited, with the vast majority of the population working in stock grazing and wood fodders for wood fuel. This is of course extremely detrimental towards the habitat and in turn severely effects the specie population of the Himalayas. Some people who are in desperate need or negatively influenced turn illegal poaching, which is largely frowned upon by the community.
In order to solve both problems, there must be a solid foundation within in the community other than wood fodders. A more stable and eco-friendly source of jobs must be found. Once this is found and put into action, only then can the regeneration of species and the habitat can begin. Governments must provide incentives for other forms of work. An example includes an expansion of national parks such as the Great Himalayan National Park. This expansion can further create more jobs available for people other than timber cutting. Jobs will be needed to create borders and infrastructures and more rangers will be needed to care and patrol the increase of land.
However, it will be extremely difficult to swerve the main occupation of timber cutting as there is such high demand and an abundance of wood. Building infrastructure such as schools will no doubt increase jobs, though is unlikely that it will reduce deforestation.
Unfortunately there will always be the threat of poacher present as the species such as rhinos, elephants, and tigers are hugely prized and worth an abundance, for supposed aesthetics and medicinal properties which numerous scientific studies have proven to be non-existent. In order to combat the problem of poachers, a solution would be to set up an effective task force to help protect the animals. Rangers can be situated much like in national parks and scour the areas for any problems and traps. Also technology can be implemented such as watch cameras on major roads, poachers regularly go through due to the lack of routes from the tough terrain of the Himalayan mountain range. Guards can also situated through choke points and fences and obstacles can also be implemented to prevent poachers from entering the habitat, or at least make it more difficult for them.
In order to solve both problems, there must be a solid foundation within in the community other than wood fodders. A more stable and eco-friendly source of jobs must be found. Once this is found and put into action, only then can the regeneration of species and the habitat can begin. Governments must provide incentives for other forms of work. An example includes an expansion of national parks such as the Great Himalayan National Park. This expansion can further create more jobs available for people other than timber cutting. Jobs will be needed to create borders and infrastructures and more rangers will be needed to care and patrol the increase of land.
However, it will be extremely difficult to swerve the main occupation of timber cutting as there is such high demand and an abundance of wood. Building infrastructure such as schools will no doubt increase jobs, though is unlikely that it will reduce deforestation.
Unfortunately there will always be the threat of poacher present as the species such as rhinos, elephants, and tigers are hugely prized and worth an abundance, for supposed aesthetics and medicinal properties which numerous scientific studies have proven to be non-existent. In order to combat the problem of poachers, a solution would be to set up an effective task force to help protect the animals. Rangers can be situated much like in national parks and scour the areas for any problems and traps. Also technology can be implemented such as watch cameras on major roads, poachers regularly go through due to the lack of routes from the tough terrain of the Himalayan mountain range. Guards can also situated through choke points and fences and obstacles can also be implemented to prevent poachers from entering the habitat, or at least make it more difficult for them.
The illegal gathering of ivory Elephant tusks and other illicit ivory products being destroyed
Individuals can help by joining the fight against illegal wildlife trade. Currently illegal wildlife trade is the fifth most profitable illicit trade in the world, estimated to rack up to 10 billion dollars each year. To help, the general public may push governments to protect threatened animals with desired traits and body part by increasing law enforcement, imposing strict deterrents (as mentioned above), and reducing the demand for such "products". This can be achieved by honouring and supporting international commitments made under CITES. Of course one can only do so much. It is up to the stronger powers such as the governments that can truly make a difference in such illegal trade, though this can certainly be pressed upon through public out roar and protests. Already, tremendous support has come in from communities and new legislative laws have been enforced.
Though still there is much room for improvement and stronger and more efficient solutions must be considered.
Of course this would require funding and could definitely be completed with the help of non for profit organisations and government intervention would definitely. Already as mentioned before, WWF has a donation programme called "Adopt a Species." For example, by adopting a tiger the organisation sends you gifts such as plush toys, photos and gift boxes. The funds directed to them are them utilised on their efforts and goals towards the benefits of Himalayas and in turn, many of the endangered species of the region.
Though still there is much room for improvement and stronger and more efficient solutions must be considered.
Of course this would require funding and could definitely be completed with the help of non for profit organisations and government intervention would definitely. Already as mentioned before, WWF has a donation programme called "Adopt a Species." For example, by adopting a tiger the organisation sends you gifts such as plush toys, photos and gift boxes. The funds directed to them are them utilised on their efforts and goals towards the benefits of Himalayas and in turn, many of the endangered species of the region.