Vulnerability to Climate Change:Differential Perception amongst the Livestock Dependents of Coastal and Alpine Region

Climate change has a negative impact across the globe, as highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in several reports. Further, it is well-recognized by the scientific fraternity that the mountain and coastal ecosystems will be severely affected due to climate change. Our coastal and alpine regions are no exception to the negative impact of climate change. Not only the Himalayan glaciers, but flora, fauna and people who depend on the Himalaya will also be adversely affected. A unique fauna of the Himalaya, i.e. the yak (Poephagus grunniens L.), happens to be the source of livelihood for thousands of highlanders living at 3000 m amsl and above, where crop farming is virtually non-existent.