Evaluation of the perception of climate change and its implications across various geo-physical regions of Kashmir Himalayas

This study investigates the perceptions of climate change and its localized impacts across distinct geo-physical regions of the Kashmir Himalayas. Drawing on primary data collected from 904 respondents through a structured questionnaire and multistage sampling, this research introduces a novel approach using the Severity Index (SI) based on a 5-point Likert scale to quantify local perceptions of climate variability. Our analysis reveals region-specific patterns: high-altitude communities report heightened awareness of temperature, increases, decreased rainfall, and extreme weather events. In contrast, mid-altitude residents identify shifts in land use, reduced stream flow, and an uptick in extreme weather. Low-altitude populations perceive declines in snowfall, emerging pests, and changes in hydrology. Notably, the study highlights that perceptions of climate change-induced agricultural impacts vary by altitude ranging from declining productivity in high-altitude agriculture (SI: 80.22%) to altered bud formation in temperate fruit crops in mid-altitude areas (SI: 81.14%), and changes in fruit color and quality due to increasing autumn temperatures in low-altitude regions (SI: 82.28). These findings emphasize the urgency of developing tailored adaptation strategies through collaboration between stakeholders, researchers, and local communities. This research provides a critical foundation for enhancing resilience and ensuring sustainable development in this ecologically vulnerable region.