Right To Be Cold: The Himalayan Crisis
Tanisha Hatode, BA LLB, KES Shri Jayantilal H Patel Law College, Mumbai
ABSTRACT
The Himalayan region is home to some of the world’s highest peaks such as Mount Everest, K2, and Kangchenjunga, along with a diverse range of climates including tropical forests and alpine ecosystems that supports rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. This vast mountain belt is not only a geographical marvel but also a critical ecological system that sustains millions of people across Asia. This cryospheric landscape faces increasing threats from global warming and escalating pollution levels, which accelerates glacial melt. These environmental stressors not only destabilize fragile mountain ecosystems but also intensify risks such as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), water scarcity, and displacement of vulnerable communities.
Consequently, there is an urgent need for stronger legal and policy frameworks that integrate climate resilience, transboundary cooperation, and sustainable development to safeguard both ecological integrity and human wellbeing.
This article draws inspiration from 'Right to Be Cold’ by Sheila Watt- Cloutier, in which she highlights the retreat of Arctic ice and its implications for the survival of Inuk culture, prompting a parallel reflection on the vulnerability of the Himalayan region and the communities that depend on it.
Keywords: Rights of Nature, Environmental Governance, Himalayan Glaciers, Climate Change, Legal Personhood, Hindu Kush Himalaya.
