Ladakh’s Changpa nomads struggle in the face of global warming

A changing climate in a cold desert poses threats to the health of their prized livestock besides making living conditions harsher
Ladakh’s Changpa nomads struggle in the face of global warming
The Changpa are natives of Ladakh’s Changthang region. For centuries, they have herded sheep, goats, yaks and other livestock in the cold desert regionAll photos by Anil Agarwal/ CSE
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The Changpa are semi-nomadic pastoralists who inhabit the Changthang region of Ladakh. They have been carrying on this lifestyle since time immemorial. However, worsening living conditions in the wake of global warming are threatening their age-old lifestyle.

Ladakh’s Changpa nomads struggle in the face of global warming
The Changpas’ pashmina goats produce fine wool, which is renowned globally

However, the changing climate means that water and good pasture for their sheep, goats, yaks and other livestock is reducing. Extreme weather also poses a threat to the health of livestock. Besides, it makes basic living conditions of the Changpa more precarious.

Ladakh’s Changpa nomads struggle in the face of global warming
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