978-3-319-31013-8 ISBN 978-3-319-31014-5 (eBook) DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-31014-5 Library of Congress Control Number: 2016936281 © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. Printed on acid-free paperThis Springer imprint is published by Springer Nature The registered company is Springer International Publishing AG Switzerland ForewordThe vast majority of scientists now agree that if global warming exceeds a mean temperature of 2°C it will lead to dangerous, irreversible and practically uncontrollable consequences for both nature and mankind. This was thoroughly discussed during recent COP 21 in Paris. Research shows that there is only a realistic chance of restricting global warming to 2°C if a limit is set on the total amount of CO 2 emitted globally between now and 2050 (CO 2 global budget). Continuation of the current trends of greenhouse gas emissions would mean that humankind will be confronted with dramatic challenges in future, with the loss of natural resources as well as impaired security of societies. From a scientific perspective, climate change is a global risk multiplier. Unabated climate change would substantially add to existing vulnerabilities of poor and indigenous communities in many parts of the world, who are inadequately prepared for adapting to unforeseen changes in their economic, social and environmental context. Evidence of these vulnerabilities is already visible in India, which has faced extreme weather events over the past ten years and witnessed a decrease in food grain production.This publication emerged from two International Conferences held at ISEC in Bangalore, India: The International Conference on "Climate Change and SocialEcological-Economical Interface-Building: Modelling Approach to Exploring Potential Adaptation Strategies for Bio-resource Conservation and Livelihood Development" held during 20-21 May 2015, organized by Centre for Ecological Economics and Natural Resources (...

Climate change is arguably the single most dominant environmental threat facing humanity. Its manifestations, particularly through rising temperatures, changing rainfall, sea-level rise and increasing droughts and floods have the potential to adversely impact natural ecosystems (such as forests, grasslands, rivers and oceans) and socioeconomic systems (such as food production, fisheries and coastal settlements). This is adding additional stresses to the ecosystem services, which form a substantial source of income to the rural inhabitants. It is most proximate and inextricably linked to well-being, development and economic growth which are part of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which ran from 2000 to 2015. Addressing climate change requires policy formulation, research, technology transfer and diffusion, financing and enhancing adaptive capacity of the poor at national, regional as well as