A stitch in time saves nine (original) (raw)

Bhutan will be richer by USD 4.6 million to strengthen weather forecast, early warning systems and climate adaptation actions. This intervention is both timely and essential, given the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns in the region.

Perched within the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, Bhutan is bearing the brunt of climate change, despite contributing little to its causes. Recent events highlight the growing urgency. On the “blessed rainy day” not all were blessed— a wall collapsed at Changzamtog after a brief but heavy downpour, damaging a house and leaving the area at risk. Yet, the rain did not extend beyond Changzamtog, underscoring the erratic nature of recent weather conditions.

Freak weather has become increasingly common. Many, particularly farmers, are witnessing shorter but more intense bursts of rainfall that cause more harm than good. Acknowledging Bhutan’s vulnerability, policymakers and development partners have focused on striking a balance between development and resilience in the face of a rapidly changing climate.

While Bhutan may have a roadmap for climate-resilient development, much depends on global actions. What we need is robust investment in scientific research to provide accurate data that informs sound policy decisions. The country is grappling with an uptick in natural disasters, including glacial lake outburst floods and extreme weather events. Strengthening our technical, institutional, and human capacity is critical.

The impacts are already evident: retreating glaciers, unseasonal rainfall, and hotter summers. High up in the mountains, potentially catastrophic changes are underway. Scientists are now examining a more severe phenomenon—permafrost thawing. This occurs as the Himalayan ice cap melts, destabilising mountain peaks. The permafrost, which remains frozen year-round beneath the surface, is thawing, weakening the mountains. This leads to rock falls, avalanches, and landslides.

In the Himalayan region, permafrost often goes unnoticed in discussions of climate change, but it poses a serious risk. For instance, in Lunana, permafrost plays a crucial role in holding moraine dams together, preventing glacial lakes from overflowing and causing disasters. But this balance is changing. Bhutan’s glaciers, fed primarily by monsoonal precipitation in the summer months, are now experiencing increased summer rainfall instead of snowfall due to warmer temperatures. Local experts are observing this shift firsthand.

Recent floods in Nepal and India were largely attributed to ice or rockfall into glacial lakes, causing them to overflow. In Bhutan, the moraine dam separating Thorthomi and Rapstreng lakes in Lunana is a particular concern. If it melts, the entire Punakha-Wangdue valley could face devastation.

While early warning systems may save lives, the broader economic and environmental losses could be staggering. Bhutan’s vital hydroelectric projects, for instance, would be at risk, and the consequences would ripple across the plains of India, where communities are highly vulnerable to flooding.

Investing in prevention and preparedness is essential. Bhutan is not immune to the global climate crisis, and without timely interventions, the consequences could be disastrous. Strengthening our climate resilience today is not just a choice, but an urgent necessity.