Sustaining the Third Pole (Himalayas): Artificial intelligence and blockchain for climate actions

The Himalayas, often known as the ‘Third Pole’ or ‘Water Tower of Asia’, are vital for the water supply of millions of people in Asia. The region is facing a number of ecological, environmental, and geopolitical challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and border disputes. Conventional strategies for addressing these challenges proved less effective and yielded only limited practical success. This perspective present a conceptual framework for exploring the potential of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and BT (Blockchain Technology) in solving these challenges. The framework is the multi-stage integration of AI-generated data and BT secure governance mechanisms for transboundary climate actions. AI offers advanced capabilities for data collection, climate modeling, disaster prediction, and monitoring of biodiversity and ecosystems in the Himalayas. BT can solve the issue of data transparency, security, and trust among the Himalayan nations. However, the implementation of these technologies is constrained due to limited infrastructure, high deployment costs, and cross-border data sharing issues. An inclusive approach leveraging AI and BT, collaboration between Himalayan nations, support of developed nations, and climate concerns people will be crucial for promoting sustainable development in the Himalayan region. The proposed framework requires validation through empirical testing and applicability in the socio-ecological and political context of the Himalayas.