Ladakh, often revered for its stark, rugged terrain and frigid, high-altitude climate, is transforming profoundly. Traditionally known for its biting cold and snow-covered landscapes, the region feels the heat — quite literally. Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns are reshaping Ladakh’s environment and its way of life.
The climate of the Union Territory of Ladakh varies greatly owing to its rugged topography. Ladakh’s temperature ranges are extreme due to its high altitude and geographical location. Winters are exceptionally cold, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing point. In some areas, temperatures can plummet to -30°C (-22°F) or even lower during the coldest months. Summers, on the other hand, are relatively mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The temperature variations between day and night can be substantial, with daytime warmth giving way to chilly nights.
Just last month several flights were cancelled at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport of Ladakh on account of temperature breaching the standard limits as set by airport authorities. The maximum operating temperature of the Leh Airport is 32 degrees Celsius but on July 28, 2024, the Leh division recorded 33.5 degrees Celsius temperature. Similarly, the temperature recorded in the Kargil division was 37 degrees Celsius.
Also In recent times, we witnessed one of the longest and most important ‘climate fasts’. Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk had two objectives: to call the world’s attention to the rapid meltdown of the planet’s “third pole” and to pressure India’s government to grant Ladakhis the power to legally protect the region’s resources. And both these demands are directly linked to each other. Mr Wangchuk said “Over my lifetime, I have seen glaciers vanish. Glaciers that used to be right next to roads have retreated hundreds of meters”.
In January 2024, Ladakh witnessed Arid winters. The locals reported that there was a complete absence of snowfall since November 2023. Merely one centimeter (cm) of snowfall was recorded in November. Down to Earth (DTE) reported, according to Sonam Lotus, director, of the Meteorological Department, UT Ladakh “Similar to other areas in the Northwestern Himalayan region, such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, Ladakh also experienced a large deficit winter snowfall during November, with only one instance of light snowfall. Additionally, the region has witnessed a complete lack of snowfall during December and January until the 25th. This prolonged dry spell is not uncommon but rather infrequent.”
All the experiences and findings point towards the high vulnerability of the region in the backdrop of climate change. This can have short-term and long-term impacts.
The region is primarily dependent on the glacial meltwater for freshwater resources. According to the Journal of Water and Climate Change glaciers have shrunk by 40% in area and 25% in volume since around 1650 AD. Retreating glaciers are posing a significant threat to their livelihood. Further, the loss of ice and glaciers due to climate change has significantly reduced water availability and infiltration processes, impacting aquifer health in the region. Rapid urbanization, population growth, and unplanned development have led to land use and land cover changes in Ladakh, adding stress to groundwater resources in the region, according to a new study.
Also, the herder community struggles on the frontier of the climate crisis. Thousands of Ladakh nomads are forced to migrate to mainly urban settlements where they just get menial jobs. As climate change alters vegetation patterns, the quality and quantity of pastures have declined. Overgrazing exacerbated by longer dry spells further degrades the land, leading to desertification. The loss of nutritious grasses forces herders to move their livestock more frequently, increasing labor and costs. Also, Rising temperatures cause heat stress in livestock, reducing their productivity in terms of milk, wool, and meat.
The tourism industry also faces its brunt. Unexpected weather changes, such as heavy rainfall or snow cause landslides or road closures, reducing the region’s accessibility. Most tourists come to see the snow-mounted hilltops, glaciers, and high-altitude lakes. Changes in the landscape will hit the tourism industry on which most of the Ladakhi economy depends. Melting glaciers can lead to the formation of glacial lakes, which may pose a threat of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), making trekking and adventure tourism riskier.
Considering all this, the Leh Climate Action Plan has been devised by the National Institute of Urban Affairs and the Global Covenant of Mayors, South Asia. It serves as a blueprint for cities to combat climate change and reduce its impact on the environment. It is a comprehensive strategy developed by various entities to address climate challenges and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ultimately transitioning to a more sustainable and resilient future.
As Ladakh grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, the urgency for action becomes ever more apparent. The region’s unique cultural heritage, fragile ecosystems, and the livelihoods of its people are at stake. While initiatives like the Leh Climate Action Plan provide a hopeful path forward, true resilience will require a concerted effort from local communities, policymakers, and global stakeholders alike. It is not just about preserving a landscape but protecting a way of life that has thrived in harmony with nature for centuries. The time to act is now — to ensure that Ladakh remains not just a place on the map, but a thriving home for its people and a pristine paradise for generations to come.
