Himalayan Distress: Mountains on the Edge

In this episode of 'The Earth Pod', Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, brings focus to the mounting environmental challenges in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). From rapidly melting glaciers and the loss of rich biodiversity to the growing impacts of unsustainable tourism and unmanaged plastic waste, the Himalayas are sending out unmistakable warning signals. Dr Dhawan underscores the global significance of the region and the growing ecological and economic imbalance in hill development.

She explores how the impacts of climate change ripple through both upstream and downstream communities, calling for solutions that blend grassroots action with policy-level urgency. Drawing on traditional knowledge systems and modern innovation, Dr Dhawan presents a vision for sustainable, inclusive growth in the Himalayas. This isn’t just a reflection—it’s a rallying cry for action to safeguard one of the most critical and vulnerable ecosystems on the planet.