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Gustavus Adolphus College

Publication Date

Fall 2018

Program Name

Nepal: Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples

Abstract

This study was completed as an attempt to visualize, contextualize, and humanize the effects of climate change in the Himalayan orogen through the lens of digital storytelling. The ArcGIS software application, Story Maps, was used to create a highly visual “storytelling” webpage. It combines spatial and empirical data from across the whole Himalayan range with stories and case studies collected in eight villages of Lower Mustang, Nepal. This project is thus a union of climatologic and ethnographic research. As climate change continues to charge ahead in an incredibly vulnerable part of the world, the people of the region face the challenges of natural disasters, season unpredictability, undependable water resources, and the uncertain future of these resources. 27 interviews were conducted in eight villages of the Lower Mustang region of Nepal: Lupra, Kagbeni, Phalyak, Dhagarjun, Pigling, Tiri, Jharkot, and Chongur. The final Story Map website presents these experiences in a highly visual and interactive manner; thus, the dissemination of the resulting discussion is much more accessible and engaging than a traditional academic journal entry. The ultimate goal of this project is to act as a call to action, encouraging those who are more cushioned from the effects of climate change to be inspired to make drastic lifestyle changes on behalf of the people of Mustang and beyond.

Disciplines

Asian Studies | Environmental Studies | Geographic Information Sciences

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