Adapting to the changing landscape in the Altai Mountains: a case study of Sutai mountain of Mongolia

Navchaa Tugjamba, Ser Od Tsedevdorj, Tsogbadral Khurelbaatar, Batchuluun Yembuu

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    Abstract

    This chapter presents environmental change trends in the Altai Mountains region, with a particular focus on glacial reduction, increasing mean annual temperature, reduction in annual precipitation, and increased frequency of extreme climate events such as drought/dzud. We discuss the impacts on pasturelands and livestock populations, which are the basis of lives and livelihoods of the nomadic population. In doing so, the chapter discusses the ways the nomadic population is adapting to the changing environment in the region. The nomadic herders living in the mountains have been practicing the nomadic lifestyle in the Mongolian plateau for centuries. However, climate change and different socioeconomic factors are changing the mountain landscapes and challenging the sustainability and existence of nomadic livelihoods. The change in temperature and precipitation trends over the past 30 years, antithetical to glaciers, has led to a significant reduction in the size of glaciers in the Altai Mountain region with impacts on the livelihoods and culture of nomadic people.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationSafeguarding mountain social-ecological systems, vol 2
    Subtitle of host publicationbuilding transformative resilience in mountain regions worldwide
    EditorsStefan Schneiderbauer, Paola Fontanella Pisa, John F. Shroder, Jr, Joerg Szarzynski
    Place of PublicationAmsterdam
    PublisherElsevier
    Chapter38
    Pages289-295
    Number of pages7
    ISBN (Electronic)9780443328244
    ISBN (Print)9780443328251
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2024

    Keywords

    • climate change
    • glacial landscape
    • mountain ecosystems
    • nomadic livelihoods
    • Sutai mountain

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