Facing the Flood Analysing Adaptation in Response to Climate Change in Nepal

Abstract

Worldwide climate change is projected to have a catastrophic impact on the world’s population. In extreme areas such as the Himalayas, these changes are already becoming apparent and for nations such as Nepal this has the potential to be a humanitarian disaster of particularly acute levels. In addition to the discernible economic and environmental impact that may befall this region, there are also major risks for the social and cultural well-being of the region’s inhabitants. In response to these well-being stresses, local stakeholder groups, from rural indigenous communities to governmental institutions, are undertaking measures towards creating sustainable adaptation strategies. Just as the effects of climate change will lead to both adverse and beneficial changes to the environmental, social, cultural and economic well-being of the region, so too will the effects of these adaption measures. This research tests a novel approach of the Mauri Model Decision Making Framework against this predicament. In doing so it investigates and assesses the prevailing well-being model of Nepal, followed by a selection of adaptation decisions and their effects on well-being factors. This technique is aimed at delivering a paradigm whereby qualitative benefits and costs may be fairly scrutinized.