This proposed session explores the role of climate change on water, the environment and socio-economic development on the southern side of the high-Himalayan Mountains. The southern Himalayan slopes contain the largest and highest glaciers in the world and act as “water towers” in the regional hydrological cycle. Yet, high-altitude regions are particularly vulnerable to climate variability and human disturbances. The issues surrounding long-term resource management and the reduction of water-related vulnerability are complex and usually involve a mixture of science (geology, hydrology, ecology etc.), applied science (natural resource management), and human dimensions (politics, economics, culture etc.). Governments often struggle with these multifaceted problems and researchers tend to focus on single, discipline-related components, at the expense of a holistic, systems-related understanding. By drawing expert knowledge from a variety of disciplines, this proposed session will showcase a unique approach to water, environment and economic challenges in the face of climate change.

• H - Hydrology