Environmental Problems in the Himalayas

Environmental Problems in the Himalayas

Christina Smith

September 30th, 2007

Kevin Taylor

Environmental Science

Environmental Problems in the Himalayas

The Himalayas are a mountain range in Asia. "The Himalayas form the earth's highest mountain region, containing 9 of the 10 highest peaks in the world." ("Himalayas", 2007). A mountain that most people would recognize is Mount Everest. Like most mountains the Himalayas took millions of years to develop. Still today, the Himalayas are growing and changing. "The Himalayas forms three parallel zones: the Great Himalayas, the Middle Himalayas, and the Sub-Himalayas." ("Himalayas", 2007).

One of the major problems with the Himalayas is deforestation. Most of the trees in the Sub-Himalayas have been cut for land and lumber. Even in the Middle Himalayas most of the trees are cut down. At least the trees that are accessible are cut down. ("Himalayas", 2007). Because of the deforestation, other problems have arisen. "Where increased demand for firewood, extensive tree trimming in order to feed livestock, and construction of roads in the border regions have increased the destruction rate of forests" ("Himalayas", 2007). Things like soil erosion and landslides are common now. (Unknown, 1997). One of the causes of landslides is the construction of roads. Constructing the roads involves blowing up chunks of the mountain to make a way for the road.(Unknown, 1997). This causes unbalanced rock structures. Thus, causing landslides. (Unknown, 1997).

Overpopulation is another problem in the Himalayas. "Nearly 40 million people inhabit the Himalayas." ("Himalayas", 2007). "The population, settlement, and economic patterns within the Himalayas have been greatly influenced by the variations in topography and climate, which impose harsh living conditions and tend to restrict movement and communication." ("Himalayas", 2007).

The rising human population has resulted in a dramatic increase in the demand for a variety of resources. Many of these resources come from forest based industries, which depend on the Himalayan forests, along with other forests, for their raw materials. For this reason, forests are being cut down unscrupulously in many areas. Tropical forests provide timber. Forests in the middle altitudes are also cut as the wood serves a variety of purposes. In higher altitudes, coniferous forests are felled to obtain softwood, which is used for making furniture, sports goods and newsprint. (Unknown, 1997).

Like other societies improvements on technology is helping with transportation and communication. ("Himalayas", 2007). Because of the rapid population clear streams became polluted with refuse and sewage. ("Himalayas", 2007). Animals also have been impacted. "As a result of deforestation the habitat of most of the wildlife has been destroyed. They are now restricted to special protected areas." ("Himalayas", 2007).

There should be a limit on the population of the Himalayas. Controlling the population would cut back on the deforestation. Although there isn't much left. One could plant a tree every time they cut one down. There need to be strict regulations on poachers and hunters, and save what's left of dangered species. For what poacher put on the black market, those items can be made in a lab. This would be cheaper and more pure. (Unknown, 1997). "There is no need to kill these beautiful animals." (Unknown, 1997).

The Himalayas consist of many towns. These towns are poor.

Most of the population is dependent on agriculture, primarily subsistence agriculture; modern industries are lacking. Mineral resources are limited. The Himalayas has major hydroelectric potential, but the development of hydroelectric resources requires outside capital investment. The skilled labor needed to organize and manage development of natural resources is also limited due to low literacy rates. Most of the Himalayan communities face malnutrition, a shortage of safe drinking water, and poor health services and education systems. ("Himalayas", 2007).

These people need to get educated. Given the fact that they are a poor nation makes it hard for these people to be educated. I think these problems with the economy need to be solved as well. You can't live well if you can't support the economy. I think that if someone were to teach these people how all of there doing are wreaking this nation, and help them come up with a solution this nation could survive. I believe if all