Global Warming and Climate Vulnerability in South Asia: A Qualitative Analysis of Extreme Weather, Himalayan Instability, and Human Security

Abstract

Climate change, with its effects on global warming, has become a major environmental and human security issue for South Asia, which is densely populated, sensitivity to climate, having socioeconomic inequalities and low adaptive capacity. This study qualitatively looks at the symptoms and impacts of global warming in south Asia especially extreme weather events, instability in the Himalayas, climate vulnerability and human security. A qualitative descriptive-interpretive research design is used and secondary data are drawn from peer-reviewed academic research, international and regional organisation reports, government and policy documents and credible contemporary news. Qualitative document analysis and thematic analysis are used to detect common themes on extreme heat, floods, droughts, glacier and snow loss, water insecurity, livelihood disruption, displacement and infrastructure vulnerability. Results show that global warming is aggravating interconnected and cascading South Asian risks, while vulnerable communities are disproportionately suffering social, economic, environmental, and human-security impacts. The 2026 disaster in the Nepal Himalayas is particularly emphasized as a case of recent cryospheric instability, extreme terrain, exposed infrastructure and low preparedness that can lead to severe humanitarian effects. But, although disasters cannot be blamed entirely on global warming, the evidence suggests that a changing climate is impacting the environmental context in which these hazards happen. The study also shows that uneven exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity and responsibility contribute to the distribution of climate-related risks, when interpreted in the Climate Vulnerability and Climate Justice Framework. The study calls for a combination of integrated adaptation, functioning early-warning systems, regional cooperation, climate-resilient infrastructure, and climate finance and technology to make South Asia more resilient to climate change.