We aimed to characterize perceptions of exposure and vulnerability to climate change among lifelong residents of Himachal Pradesh. We examined local climate data and interviewed rural and urban residents to identify and map perceived exposures and vulnerabilities to climate change. Residents reported shorter winters and decreased precipitation and attributed these changes to human activity. Most residents expressed willingness to make personal lifestyle changes to address climate change. We also determined that the villages' vulnerability to climate change is primarily due to lack of income opportunities outside of subsistence agriculture. Additional studies should be conducted to more completely assess the exposure and vulnerability of the region to climate change.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Padir, Aylin Lorraine
• Bergeron, Troy Peyton

Subject

• Culture
• Environment

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-043018-001720

Keyword

• Climatic changes
• Climatic changes--Social aspects
• Climate change mitigation

Advisor

• Tuler, Seth
• Shockey, Ingrid K.

Year

• 2018

Center

• Mandi, India Project Center - IQP

Sponsor

• IIT-Mandi

Date created

• 2018-04-30

Location

• Mandi

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright