Climate Change Perceptions and Impacts in the Nepal Himalayas: A Regional Perspective

A Hotspot Under Pressure

The Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region, a towering testament to nature's grandeur, stands as a stark reminder of climate change's escalating grip. This crucial area is incredibly vulnerable to the multifaceted impacts of a warming world, demanding immediate attention and innovative solutions.

Nepal, nestled within the HKH's embrace, serves as a microcosm of the challenges faced. A 2025 study published in PLoS ONE, led by Phuyal et al., delves into the perceptions and realities of climate change across Nepal's diverse landscapes, from the subtropical lowlands to the soaring alpine peaks. By combining hard climate data with the lived experiences of local communities, the study paints a compelling picture of change in action.

Shifting Temperatures and Misperceived Rainfall

Over 37 years of climate data revealed significant warming trends, particularly during summer months. These rising temperatures were mirrored in the perceptions of local communities across different altitudes – a striking validation of lived experience aligning with scientific measurement. Winter temperatures displayed more regional variation, with perceptions aligning less perfectly with the data, potentially influenced by urbanization and localized effects.

Intriguingly, perceptions of rainfall patterns diverged from observed trends. While communities perceived an increase in heavy rainfall events, climate data documented a decrease. This discrepancy highlights the complex interplay between actual climate shifts and human perception, emphasizing the importance of grounded scientific communication to bridge the gap.

“Understanding people’s perceptions of climate change is crucial when devising policy measures. These perceptions significantly influence their level of concern and subsequently impact their motivation to take action.” - Whitmarsh & Capstick, 2018.

Cascading Impacts: From Crops to Communities

Beyond direct meteorological changes, the study unearthed a range of indirect impacts. Across all regions, communities reported an increase in crop diseases, likely fueled by changing temperature and rainfall patterns. The expansion of disease vectors, such as mosquitoes, into new areas was another widely observed consequence, posing a growing threat to human health.

Region-specific impacts were also documented. The drying-up of water resources, particularly in the midlands and highlands, reflects the complex hydrological changes occurring in the region. Increases in floods and landslides, predominantly perceived in the highlands, likely correlate with outburst floods from glacial lakes and documented landslide events. These experiences, along with changing biodiversity patterns like early flowering and shifting plant distributions, paint a complex picture of disruption in the delicate Himalayan ecosystems.

A Call for Tailored Adaptations

The strength of the study lies in its mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to enrich the findings. While limited to Central Nepal, the research provides valuable insights for other mountainous regions globally. The study also acknowledges the inherent limitations of its geographical focus and sampling methods, suggesting the need for future research to broaden the scope and capture the full tapestry of Nepal's diverse regions.

The findings illuminate a critical message: Effective climate adaptation strategies must be tailored to specific regional vulnerabilities and community needs. By understanding these nuances, policymakers can develop targeted educational and communication initiatives, empowering communities to become active participants in building climate resilience across Nepal's stunning, yet vulnerable, landscapes.