Ashutosh Kulkarni’s scientific contributions

Highlights: • Snow and glacier melt is one of the major source of water in Himalaya and it influences the water security in north-India. Himalayan states (Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh) and lowland states (Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Assam and West Bengal) depend on this source of water. Together, these states constitute approximately 44% of India's population (Census, 2011). • Glacial stored water in Indian Himalaya is 3,651 Giga-ton (Gt) and losing mass at the rate of 6.6 ± 1 Gt per annum. This has led to 13% loss in total area from 1960-2000. [1] • Loss in glacier mass has implications for: (i) Water and food security (ii) Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) and (iii) Hydropower generation. • For last 3 decades, mean temperature in Himalaya is higher than global mean. Further, decrease in snowfall and increase in rainfall is observed. [2] • Model projections suggest Himalayan region will experience temperature rise of approximately 2.36 0 C in low emission scenario and approximately 5.51 0 C in high emission scenario by the end of 21 st century. [3] • The present pattern of stream runoff and availability of water resources could be largely maintained if global temperature rise is restricted below 2 0 C. Temperature rise of 5.51 0 C by the end of 21 st century will result in additional loss of 27% of the glacier area. [3] • Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming below 2 0 C. A global concerted effort is required to mitigate climate change. Even in a scenario where Paris goals are attained, some degree of climate change is inevitable. So, India should also focus on adaptation activities at the state and district level to minimize future damages. • We can save the Himalayan glaciers if all the major countries of the world were to follow India's example by at least implementing their respective Paris Agreement goals.