Climate Change in the Forest of Bengal Duars: Response of Life and Livelihoods (SpringerBriefs in Environmental Science)

This book focuses on more than 100 years of climatic oscillation in Bengal Duars, a unique foothill landscape of the Eastern Himalaya, to discuss the dynamics of life and livelihoods of forest dependent communities towards climate change related impacts. The authors describe the struggles the people of this region face, including climate vulnerability, displacement, migration, and human-animal conflict, and provides a unique and comprehensive analysis of the interconnection between perceptions and responses of forest villagers for survival and adaptation to climate change. The book presents advanced quantitative methods and field-based studies applied in the region to help researchers and policy makers comprehend and measure potential and actual adaptation attitudes of the villagers, while also understanding the present challenges, risk patterns, and potential impacts climate change has on the natural environment and community life. The book will additionally be of interest to students and researchers in geography, forestry, ecology and environmental science. Preface Acknowledgements Contents Abbreviations Contents Contents Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Introductory Notes 1.2 Review of Literature 1.2.1 Climate Change 1.2.2 Vulnerability 1.2.3 Adaptation of People 1.3 Objectives 1.4 Methodology 1.5 Significance of the Study References Chapter 2: The Bengal Duars: A Foothill Landscape of the Eastern Himalaya 2.1 Evolution of Bengal Duars and Its Spatial Identity 2.2 Physiography and Drainage 2.3 Climate 2.4 Soil 2.5 Culture 2.6 Economy References Chapter 3: Forestry of Bengal Duars 3.1 Forest and Biodiversity 3.2 Conceptualizing Drivers of Change 3.3 Ecological Importance References Chapter 4: Climate Change in Bengal Duars 4.1 Trends of Climatic Variables 4.1.1 Temperature 4.1.2 Rainfall 4.2 Projection of Future Climate References Chapter 5: Assessment of Vulnerability 5.1 Spatial Vulnerability 5.1.1 Method of Analysis 5.1.2 Exposure 5.1.3 Sensitivity 5.1.4 Adaptive Capacity 5.2 Discussion References Chapter 6: Perception and Responses of the Forest Villagers 6.1 People’s Perception About Environmental Changes 6.1.1 Survey Sketch and Methods 6.1.2 Perception About Changes in Forest 6.1.3 Perception About Change of Climate 6.2 Responses of Forest Villagers on Their Life and Livelihoods 6.2.1 Struggle in Life 6.2.2 Livelihood Dynamics 6.2.3 Livelihood Complex and Crisis References Chapter 7: Adaptation Attitudes of the Forest Villagers 7.1 Conceptual Model of Adaptation 7.2 Judgement of Adaptation Attitudes of the Villagers 7.2.1 Potential Adaptation 7.2.2 Actual Adaptation 7.3 Discussion References Chapter 8: Recommendations and Conclusion 8.1 Introduction to REDD+ 8.2 Major Challenges of Bengal Duars 8.2.1 Challenges to National Forest Monitoring System 8.2.2 Challenges to Safeguard Information System 8.2.3 Challenges to Monitor Forest Reference (Emission) Level 8.2.4 Challenges to Implement National Strategies or Action Plan 8.3 Suggestive Measures 8.4 Conclusion References Glossary "Presently, climate change is a stark reality associated with vulnerability faced by living beings all around the world and therefore has gained importance in the field of scientific research. The Eastern Himalayan mountain ecosystem is fragile in nature, and the phenomena of climate change have imposed extra vulnerable conditions in this unique landscape. Adjacent to the Eastern Himalaya, the foothill landscape is also hazard-prone. The present study area is the Bengal Duars region--a foothill landscape of the Eastern Himalaya. The book will focus on the climate change and 'struggle for existence' issues facing the forest villagers to the changing climatic situtation"--Page vii