Mountain hazards 2013: Natural hazards, climate change and water in mountain areas

Background

High mountain environment is one the most complex and sensitive ecosystems on the Earth. Besides, current climate changes influence considerably the natural processes in high mountains over the world.

Hundreds of millions of people live in mountains being dependent on natural changes of environment and facing the harsh climate, difficult life conditions and various kinds of natural hazards. Majority of disasters are triggered by hydro-meteorological hazards, including drought, floods, extreme temperatures and rainfall-related landslides, debris-flows, lake outbursts; all of which are likely to increase under a changing climate.

Central Asia is one of the world’s regions most vulnerable to current climate variability and the impacts of future climate change. This is as a result of a combination of many different natural, political and social factors.

The forthcoming conference is aimed at the discussion of different topics related to the aforementioned processes. It will give an opportunity for scientists and experts from various countries to present the results of their work and research of natural processes, climate change adaptation and disaster risk mitigation measures in high mountain regions, as well as results of recent studies of glacier cover change of mountains in Central Asia and other mountainous regions worldwide.

The main topics of these discussions will cover relevant kinds of natural hazards. The discussion on interdependencies of climate changes, glacier retreat and water resources will be the special topic of the conference. Results of studies and research and specific approaches for Central Asia, Himalayan region, Europe and other parts of the World are the main expected outputs of this conference.

Sessions

Session I: Natural Hazards in Mountain Areas.

• GLOF and other glacier and snow related hazards, water related hazards.
• Earthquakes and mass movements (landslides, rock-falls).
• Risk assessment, mapping and analyses.
• Management and mitigation measures.

Session II: Climate Change, Climate Risks: Research, Management, Adaptation.

• Climate in mountain areas, research and monitoring.
• Glaciers, the key to mountain climate.
• Climate change and Climate risk management – special session on results UNDP CA-CRM and other programmes of UN Agencies and other international organisations
• Adaptation measures to climate changes in mountain areas.

Session III: Climate Changes and Water in Mountains

• Water in mountain environment
• Water and climate changes in mountains
• Glaciers and water

Session IV: International Cooperation

• Examples of successful cooperation and completed projects in CA and other regions
• Presentation of international organisations and donors
• New opportunities and challenges