This book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary examination of the diverse aspects of climate change in South Asia. The region, home to almost 4% of the world’s population, is under serious threat from climatic disasters. The volume underscores the urgency of addressing cataclysmic events related to climate change and their ramifications on the economy, agriculture and livelihoods of the region. The book discusses the reasons causing climate change as well as highlights normative and ethical considerations involved in the battle against climate change. With case studies from India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, it explores issues such as extreme climatic events; energy use, fossil fuels, non-renewable resources and carbon dioxide emission in South Asia; internal migration and climate refugees; the ethical dilemma of sustainable development; technological advancements for extreme weather forecast; and responses to climate change in South Asia. Highlighting the need for striking a balance between developmental imperatives and environmental sustainability, the chapters also show the North-South divide in the research agenda and policies on climate change and the global politics that underlie climate policies. The volume juxtaposes a scientific analysis of factors responsible for climate change with an analysis of the human cost of climate change from the perspective of social sciences. It discusses the challenges faced by developing countries while also offering recommendations and solutions. This book will be of interest to scholars and researchers of climate studies, geography, public policy and governance, sustainable development, development studies, environmental studies, political studies, international relations, political economy, economics and sociology. It will also be useful to practitioners, thinktanks, policymakers and civil society organisations working on environmental management.

Contemporary thinking favours local participation and local stake-holding under a decentralized, democratic framework as the just and efficient solution to contemporary South Asian environmental dilemmas and crises. In a series of case studies and more extensive audits, a group of mainly Nordic and American authors seek to substantiate, qualify or criticize this formula. Covering both urban and rural environments, the hills and the plains, the book provides insights into the actual management and mismanagement of resources in India and Pakistan. Contents Income Distribution and Environmental Degradation; The State and Local Management in Colonial Irrigation; Oral Histories of Environmental Change in Rajasthan; The Van Gujjars and the Rajaji National Park; Implementing International Regimes in India; Forest Contractors as Intermediaries in Pakistan's Forestry; Tragedy of Collective Action among farmers in South India; International production of Pesticides; Voluntary Organisations in Environmental Service Provision; The Use of Metaphor in Himalayan Resource Management.

Attempts to manage natural resources through collaboration rather than competition, by agreements rather than conflict, have become the touchstone for many who see these efforts as the harbinger of global sustainable development. The received wisdom suggests that participatory natural resource management projects work because traditional knowledge of the resources and existing social structures can be utilised to develop more effective strategies for resource use. Participation is a flexible and adaptable concept, which can reflect local circumstances and priorities. The contributors to this volume advise caution as well as optimism for projects conducted in this way. By drawing on the experience of NGOs, national governments and donor sectors as well as academic researchers this volume analyses the theory and practice of participatory natural resource management and demonstrates the value of constructive dialogue between all those involved.