Mountain Ecosystems Responses to Climate and Land Use Change Disaster in the East Africa Region

Benita Rumanzi, Africa Population Institute

Mountains are significant habitats however, they are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and land use change that affect health. Literature including peer-reviewed articles, reports, and books, were reviewed; key themes and findings were identified and synthesized to provide a concise overview of the subject matter. Climate Change Rising temperatures resulting in accelerated glacier melt, altered hydrological patterns, and shifting vegetation zones. Changing precipitation patterns affect water availability, vegetation dynamics, and ecosystem productivity, leading to increased risks of droughts and floods. Land Use Change leading to deforestation and habitat fragmentation, negatively impacting sensitive species and ecosystems.Urbanization and infrastructure development result in land degradation, loss of biodiversity, and disturbance of ecosystem functions. Ecosystem Responses where flora and fauna are shifting uphill or towards cooler regions in response to temperature changes affect nutrient cycling, carbon storage, and water availability, influencing ecosystem structure and functioning may have diverse effect on health.