In the high-altitude region of Ladakh, nestled in the Indian Himalayas, yak herders are grappling with the harsh realities of a warming climate. Rising temperatures and unpredictable snowfall are rapidly depleting the grasslands that sustain their herds, forcing many young people to abandon a centuries-old way of life. The challenges faced by these herders highlight the broader ecological and cultural disruptions unfolding across the Himalayas, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions.

Over the past four decades, temperatures in Ladakh have risen by approximately 3 degrees Celsius, leading to more frequent droughts and intense heat waves. These changes have taken a toll on the region’s fragile ecosystems, reducing vegetation and stressing the yaks that depend on it. The animals, which provide milk, meat, wool, and transportation for local communities, are struggling to adapt to the shifting conditions. Between 2012 and 2019, the yak population in Ladakh plummeted from nearly 34,000 to fewer than 20,000—a decline scientists attribute to erratic weather patterns and dwindling pasturelands.

The loss of grasslands is not just a problem for livestock. Experts warn that the disappearance of traditional herding practices could have cascading effects on the region’s biodiversity. Without herders managing the grazing lands, invasive shrubs are likely to take over, crowding out native plants that wildlife such as snow leopards and blue sheep rely on for food. The delicate balance of the alpine ecosystem, shaped over generations by both nature and human activity, risks unraveling as pastures degrade and wildlife habitats shrink.

For the herders, the changing climate has made their livelihood increasingly precarious. Warmer winters and reduced snowfall mean less meltwater to nourish the grasslands in spring and summer. Unpredictable rainfall patterns further disrupt the growth of vegetation, leaving yaks underfed and vulnerable to disease. Many families, facing dwindling herds and economic hardship, are encouraging their children to seek work in towns and cities, where opportunities in tourism and government jobs offer more stability.

The migration of young people away from herding threatens not only a cultural tradition but also the stewardship of the land. Elders in the community emphasize that herders play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the pastures through rotational grazing, which prevents overuse and allows vegetation to regenerate. Without this careful management, the landscape could transform rapidly, with barren patches and invasive species replacing the rich biodiversity that has long defined the region.

The challenges in Ladakh reflect a global pattern of climate-induced disruptions to traditional livelihoods. Mountain regions worldwide are warming at rates faster than the global average, placing immense pressure on ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. In the Himalayas, the loss of glacial meltwater, shifting precipitation patterns, and rising temperatures are altering the very foundations of life for both humans and wildlife.

Efforts to support the herders and protect the region’s ecology are underway, including initiatives to restore degraded pastures and promote sustainable grazing practices. However, the scale of the climate crisis demands broader action to mitigate its impacts. Scientists stress that reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing adaptive strategies are critical to preserving the fragile balance of high-altitude ecosystems.

For now, the yak herders of Ladakh continue to adapt as best they can, but the future of their way of life remains uncertain. As the grasslands shrink and younger generations move away, the loss extends beyond livelihoods—it represents the unraveling of a deep connection between people, animals, and the land. The story of Ladakh’s herders serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching consequences of climate change, where the disappearance of a single tradition can ripple across an entire ecosystem.