Co-production of climate change vulnerability assessment : A case study of the Indian Lesser Himalayan region, Darjeeling

The intensity and extent of climate change impacts differ significantly with the geographical ecological structure landscape. This is especially evident in mountain ecosystems where topographic, climatic biological gradients make them extremely vulnerable to global environmental changes . Designing strategies mitigate adapt on such local landscapes requires a context-specific vulnerabilities that take into account their particular characteristics. Presently, there are two main challenges assessing vulnerability ecosystems: 1) models used for assessments at scales being broad variables from few sectors do not capture range characteristics 2) indigenous knowledge about considered these models, which makes implementation mitigation/adaptation measures less successful. In this study, we highlight issues drawing our data collected India’s Lesser Himalayan region (Darjeeling). We mixed research approach combines assessment model participatory approach. based around socio-ecological system results interactive process showed Darjeeling experiencing higher than produced by subregional level. critical influence need be taken when future adaptation scenarios. study offers decision support policymakers plan sustainability pathways.