Assessment of Indian Himalayan peatlands: a comprehensive study to estimate the extent of peatland distribution and impact of climate change on it.

Assigned Session: FS 3.111: Degradation and conservation of Tibetan and Himalayan ecosystems: Challenges and pathways to resilience

Abstract ID: 3.5139 | Pending | Talk/Oral | TBA | TBA

Samrat Deb (0)
Jurasinski, Gerald (1), Barthelmes, Alexandra (2)
Samrat Deb (1)
Jurasinski, Gerald (1), Barthelmes, Alexandra (2)

1
(1) University of Greifswald, Domstr. 11, University of Greifswald
(2) Greifswald Moor Centrum, Institut für Botanik und Lanadschaftsökologie, Universität Greifswald, Soldmannstr. 15, 17487 Greifswald

(1) University of Greifswald, Domstr. 11, University of Greifswald
(2) Greifswald Moor Centrum, Institut für Botanik und Lanadschaftsökologie, Universität Greifswald, Soldmannstr. 15, 17487 Greifswald

Categories: Adaptation, Conservation, Ecosystems, Policy, Remote Sensing
Keywords: Peatlands, Indian Himalayas, climate policy

Categories: Adaptation, Conservation, Ecosystems, Policy, Remote Sensing
Keywords: Peatlands, Indian Himalayas, climate policy

Peatlands only cover approximately 3% of the Earth’s land area, yet they store twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests combined. Globally distributed, peatlands are characterized by waterlogged conditions that impede the decomposition of organic matter. This results in the accumulation of peat – a carbon-rich organic material. This exceptional carbon sequestration potential positions peatlands as integral players in mitigating climate change. However, this is increasingly threatened by climate change. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events are disrupting the delicate balance of these ecosystems. Especially thawing permafrost is a looming threat as it accelerates the release of stored carbon, further contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.


Indian peatlands especially in the Himalayan region are an underexplored domain. Thus this research plans to investigate how changing climatic conditions affect peatland ecosystems. The objective is to map the extent of peatlands distribution in the Himalayan region, using remote sensing analysis and ground truthing. Furthermore, it intends to examine the impact of climate change by using climatic models to simulate potential impacts and to project future scenarios, to anticipate challenges and guide the development of effective adaptation strategies. This way, the study aims to compile a comprehensive peatland database and achieve a quantification of the predicted impact of climate change on Indian Himalayan peatlands, to make the development of effective conservation strategies on the ground. The research will be supported by the Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology of Universität Greifswald, Germany.


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