Climate change effects on the livelihoods of Illimani glacier’s communities

Abstract

Global warming is the most clear climate change effect and is occurring faster at higher altitudes where glaciers have been standing for centuries. Tropical glaciers are even more affected by climate change than their temperate counterparts due to larger sun exposure and summer-rainy season coincidence that reduces snow accumulation. Though, glaciers are their principal natural water regulators and the only domestic and productive water source during dry seasons, their retreat affects directly downstream communities’ livelihoods. Climate change is already affecting water right rules, crop patterns and upward expanding productive areas in the tropical Andes. The Illimani project studies Illimani’s glacier dependent area in a physical and socio-productive context to generate socially and participative accepted adaptation strategies for climate change and climate variability effects. Multidisciplinary results are integrated in watershed management models to develop technically and socially validated descriptions of the dynamics between the glacier and the basin, for actual and future scenarios, resulting in proposals for adaptation actions. Different adaptations strategies between the upper and lower part of this small area and the need for dynamic research-action oriented programs are identified as essential. These studies seek to set decision support tools that will help to shape water use policies of the region, for an effective adaptation to a rapid shifting climate.