December 5: If global temperatures rise beyond the threshold of two degree celsius above preindustrial levels, the Himalayan glaciers which provide water and food for over two billion people could disappear. And business as usual trajectories will take the world well beyond that threshold according to the UNDP’s Human Development Report 2007-2008 entitled fighting climate change: human solidarity in a divided world.

Bhutan is ranked 133rd, the same as last year, in the report’s human development index. Iceland is first.

The report was launched yesterday in the capital by the Deputy Minister of Environment Dasho Nado Rinchen and the Resident Representative of UNDP Nicholas Rossellini.

The report focuses on the effects of global warming and climate change. It says three quarters of the world’s poorest people who live in Asia are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

There will be small and gradual increase in the risks of everyday life. There will be more droughts, the Monsoon will be late, there will be sudden downpours and storms will get stronger.

Speaking at the launch, Dasho Nado Rinchen said it should be mandatory for developed countries to drastically cut their green house gas emissions. Developing countries should take voluntary steps such as cutting down energy consumption and enhancing energy efficiency.

Talking about Bhutan, he said as a developing country with the majority of the people depending on agriculture and hydropower as the backbone of our economy, the impact of climate change will be huge.

There are more than 2600 glacier lakes in Bhutan. Of that 26 glacial lakes have been identified as potentially dangerous.

"Floods as a result of the glacial melt could have a devastating impact on the lives of the people and the infrastructure. In the long term, the melting of glaciers would have a serious adverse impact on our water resources and availability of water. He said the effects of climate change could negate the human development gains and alter the lives of people," said Dasho Nado Rinchen.

The UN Resident Representative Nicholas Rossellini said climate change impacts can be reduced if action is taken now. He said Bhutan is one of few countries in the world with net greenhouse gas sequestration capacity- largely due to its extensive forest cover, limited industrialization and use of clean renewable energy.

Doley Tshering, Head of UNDP Environment Unit said, it is the world’s poorest, those who have contributed the least to global warming, who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Senior government officials, representatives from development agencies, UNDP officials were present during the launch.