Uttarakhand Vulnerability to Climate Change

This question assesses the understanding of Uttarakhand's susceptibility to climate change and its specific impacts.

Let's analyze the statements:

Statement 1: Uttarakhand's Climate Change Vulnerability

Statement 1 claims that Uttarakhand is highly vulnerable to climate change. This is accurate.

• Uttarakhand is located in the Himalayan region, which is known to be exceptionally sensitive to climatic shifts.
• Its geographical features, including steep slopes, fragile ecosystems, and dependence on rain-fed agriculture and glaciers, increase its vulnerability.
• Extreme weather events like cloudbursts, landslides, and floods, linked to climate change, occur frequently in the region.

Therefore, Statement 1 is correct.

Statement 2: Climate Change Impacts in Uttarakhand

Statement 2 states that Climate change is causing water stress and depleting biodiversity in Uttarakhand. This statement is also accurate.

• Water Stress: Changing rainfall patterns, receding glaciers (which act as water sources), and increased evaporation contribute to water scarcity and stress, affecting rivers and water availability.
• Biodiversity Depletion: Rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns disrupt habitats, leading to shifts in species distribution and potential extinction risks for various flora and fauna unique to the region. For instance, temperature changes affect the habitats of high-altitude species.

Considering these points, Statement 2 is correct.

Conclusion on Statements

Since both Statement 1 and Statement 2 accurately describe the situation in Uttarakhand regarding climate change:

• Statement 1: Correct.
• Statement 2: Correct.

Thus, the option stating that both statements are correct is the appropriate choice.