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 security of millions residing in the Asian continent. The region is facing a number of ecological, environmental, and social challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and border disputes. Conventional strategies for addressing these challenges have mostly failed to yield satisfactory outcomes. The present study examines the challenges being faced by the Himalayan region. It also explores the potential of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and BT (Blockchain Technology) in solving these challenges by suggesting a conceptual framework for integrating AI and BT to deliver sustainable outcomes in the region. This framework is the multi-stage integration of AI-generated data and BT secure governance mechanism for transboundary climate action. 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 on 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.