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Check FAQAbout Wahid
Wahid Bhat is an environmental journalist who lives in Jammu and Kashmir, India. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad. After that, he completed his postgraduate degree in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC). Since 2018, Wahid has been reporting on environmental and climate change issues. His work covers a range of topics, including extreme weather events, pollution, mining issues, deforestation, water issues, and wildlife. His dedication to his work has been recognized with awards from NFI India and the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Wahid’s reports have been published in various outlets, including Earth Journalism, Scroll.in, India Spend, and Groundreport.in. He has also received a grant from the Earth Journalism Network to cover the impact of extreme weather events, particularly lightning strikes, in the Kashmir valley. Wahid was a part of the Local News Accelerator program by the International Press Institute (IPI). He received intensive training and coaching in media innovation and sustainability, focusing on topics such as business models and audience engagement. This experience has been instrumental in his journey towards financial and editorial sustainability. Additionally, he was selected for the Disarming Disinformation Master Classes conducted by ICFJ. He had the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the field. This program provided him with an incredible opportunity to deepen his understanding of disinformation and enhance his investigative skills. Apart from this, he attended the Climate Change Dialogue event organized by the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation. As one of 19 environmental journalists selected, he spent three days in Channi deepening his understanding of climate change issues, further fueling his commitment to environmental journalism.
Natural Disasters
Climate Change
Portfolio
Spring is no longer what it used to be... and it comes earlier
Climate change is causing earlier springs, disrupting the phenological cycles of plants and animals. This leads to mismatches between species, such as plants flowering before their pollinators are active, which can result in reduced fruit and seed production. Examples include premature plant blooming in Kashmir, India, and altered bear hibernation patterns. Phenological changes are being tracked by scientists and citizen science programs, highlighting the need for long-term research to understand ecosystem impacts. Experts suggest habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation as mitigation strategies, but emphasize the importance of reducing CO2 emissions to address the root cause of these changes. Global temperature increases have led to the earliest cherry blossom season in Japan in 1,200 years and other phenological shifts worldwide.
Indigenous communities in J&K struggle with increasing lightning risks to livelihoods
Indigenous communities in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Gujjar, Bakarwal, and Chopan, face increasing risks to their livelihoods due to a rise in lightning strikes, exacerbated by climate change. These nomadic communities, which make up 11.9% of the state's population, are already vulnerable due to modern development and low literacy rates. The frequency and intensity of lightning strikes are increasing globally, with a significant rise observed in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the presence of early warning systems and lightning detection networks, there is a lack of effective measures to protect the communities and their livestock. Compensation for livestock losses is inadequate, and there is a general lack of awareness and education about lightning safety measures. Experts emphasize the need for collaboration between the government, local communities, and media organizations to address the issue and explore alternative livelihood possibilities.
In Kashmir’s mountainous meadows, increasing lightning strikes kill livestock, put shepherds at risk
In Kashmir, nomadic herders face increasing threats from lightning strikes, which have killed livestock and put their livelihoods at risk. The number of lightning incidents in Jammu and Kashmir has risen dramatically, with a 172% increase from 2019 to 2022. Despite the growing danger, there is a lack of data collection and reporting mechanisms for lightning-related incidents. The government's compensation for lost livestock is often seen as inadequate by the affected communities. While India has lightning detection networks and early warning systems, their effectiveness is limited by variable cellular network availability and the lack of smartphones among shepherds. Experts suggest that better early warning systems, weather forecasts, and improved disaster management strategies are needed, along with education on safety measures and the construction of weatherproof shelters.
How Increasing Lightning Strikes Imperil J&K’s Pastoralist Communities
Pastoralist communities in Jammu and Kashmir's alpine pastures face harsh living conditions and are increasingly threatened by lightning strikes, exacerbated by climate change. Mushtaq Ahmad Chopan, a shepherd from Budgam, describes the lack of shelter for both people and livestock, and the constant risk to their lives with no guaranteed safety.
Scraping Indus Water Treaty; a water bomb waiting to explode?
The Indus Water Treaty, which has prevented water-related conflicts between India and Pakistan for over 63 years, is under strain due to climate change and growing populations. Glaciers feeding the Indus River are rapidly melting, threatening water availability. The treaty, signed by Nehru and Khan in 1960, allocated the use of eastern and western tributaries between the two nations. Mismanagement and climate change have led to water scarcity, with Pakistan's GDP heavily reliant on the Indus. Experts suggest revising the treaty to address new challenges, and NASA has identified the Indus Basin as the second most stressed aquifer globally. The situation is exacerbated by climate change, with Himalayan glaciers projected to shrink, affecting water flow and groundwater recharge.
How retreat of Machoi glacier impacting lives in Kashmir?
The retreat of the Machoi glacier in Kashmir's Drass region is occurring rapidly, with a 29% size reduction from 1972 to 2019. This retreat is consistent with other Himalayan glaciers and is driven by rising temperatures, with additional factors such as black carbon, dust deposition, and precipitation changes. The local population, including Drass residents and experts like Dr. Irfan Rashid and Sonam Lotus, have observed changes in weather patterns and expressed concerns over water supply, agriculture, and increased risk of floods and landslides. The Kolahoi glacier has also shrunk significantly, impacting the Jhelum River's tributaries and the livelihoods of millions. The study underscores the need for urgent action to address climate change and its impact on water resources in the Himalayas.
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