ABSTRACT
The Anthropocene is influencing the climate change, water resources, and environments of the densely populated South Asia in general and of India in particular. Changing climate and availability of renewable freshwater have affected South Asia since the extinction of the ancient hydric Indus Valley civilization of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. Despite an endowment of abundant water resources, an increasing gap between demand and supply is widening because of a large uncertainty, increasing frequency of extreme climatic events, and high risks of soil degradation. The rapid melting of the Himalayan glaciers, source of the 10 largest rivers in Asia, may also exacerbate the water scarcity and conflicts over the shared water resources of the Indus and the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) river systems. Conflicts may also emerge among states such as the Indian states of Karnataka and Tamil
8.1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 183 8.2 Cultural and Religious Beliefs in Environmental Issues .............................. 185 8.3 Climate Change and Water Resources in South Asia ................................... 185 8.4 Climate Change and the Himalayan Glaciers .............................................. 186 8.5 Water Resources and the Rising Demand .................................................... 188 8.6 Politics of Water ............................................................................................ 189 8.7 Water Governance ........................................................................................ 190 8.8 Linking Security of Food, Water, Soil, and Climate in South Asia ............. 193 8.9 Assessing Water Resources .......................................................................... 194 8.10 Using Science, Culture, and Spiritualism to Resolve Social and Political
Conflicts in Managing Water Resources ...................................................... 194 8.11 Cultural and Spiritual Approach to Climate Change and Water Scarcity.... 195 8.12 Conclusion .................................................................................................... 197 References .............................................................................................................. 198
Nadu over access to water in the Cauvery River. Energy subsidies for irrigation and undervaluing of the scarce resources are the causes of groundwater overdraft, depleted aquifers, salinized soils, and other cases of the tragedy of commons. There exists a strong link between food security, soil security, water security, and climate security. Following the Cornucopian hypothesis, adverse effects of climate change on water scarcity may enhance adaptation and increase in water productivity (WP). The strategy is to enhance synergisms between science, culture, and religions to resolve conflicts and promote the use of water-saving adaptive technologies. Water occupies a central place in the practice and beliefs of most religions that encourage stewardship and forbid overuse and pollution. While building on the scientific knowledge, diverse cultures and religions offer a distinct perspective related to moral ethics and stewardship.
