Mixed manifestations of climate change in high mountains: insights from a farming community in northern Pakistan

Abstract

This article draws on observations by local farmers to analyse changes in climate and their effects on mountain farming in the Karakoram of northern Pakistan, where little scientific knowledge about the local manifestations of climate change exists. It shows that farmers clearly perceive a warming trend in the valleys that has led to a significant reduction of snowfall and snow cover over the last 30–40 years, while observations of rainfall changes are rather mixed. These perceptions are in line with trends detected at the nearest weather station with long-term observations. In contrast to common assumptions about climate change impacts in this high mountain region, the local effects of these changes are rather diverse and strongly depend on microclimatic and other factors: while many farmers acknowledge improved cropping conditions due to an extended agricultural season, a slight majority of respondents evaluate the observed changes in rather negative terms, among others due to an aggravated water scarcity in spring. The findings highlight the importance of local contexts and show that especially in mountain regions, general assumptions about climate change impacts should be avoided.