Climate Vulnerability & Adaptive Capacity of Mountain Societies in Central Asia

Mountain societies in developing and low-income countries are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which may severely threaten their livelihoods and wellbeing. The situation of mountain communities in the Pamir and Tien Shan mountains in Central Asia (CA) is exacerbated by their remote location along with outdated infrastructure, poor access to information and markets, and the region’s distinctively continental climate. Assessing the vulnerability of mountain societies in these mountain regions and assisting communities and government to develop adaptation strategies in the light of changing climate is a challenging endeavor that demands thorough understanding of a range of technical and socio-economic parameters. Strengthening research to address climate change challenges in mountainous CA is essential. For this purpose, this Report reviews the state of research on climate change, vulnerabilities, impacts, and adaptation measures, and attempts to identify knowledge gaps as well as opportunities for improving the adaptive capacity of mountain societies in Central Asia. The study also highlights the need to enhance collaboration between research institutes and local communities, governmental and private sectors, development agencies, and civil society, in order to identify and to better understand the barriers and challenges along with promising new opportunities for the development of effective climate change adaptation strategies at local, national, and regional levels in Central Asia.