Far from the rhetoric of political negotiations at Copenhagen, scientists and activists are studying Karnataka — one of the more densely forested states of the country — whose fragile ecosystem is showing signs of crumbling under climate change, the Times of India has reported. Experts say the recent devastating floods in north Karnataka that killed over 200 people and washed away large tracts of habitation were a result of climate change, and such freak conditions are only going to increase.

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"Scientists had predicted that north Karnataka will get unseasonal rain and this is a clear indication of climate change. Such conditions are going to become frequent," Prof T V Ramachandra of Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) told TOI.

As a matter of fact, several perennial streams in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats have turned seasonal. Historical data shows that the whole of Western Ghats used to get 3,500-4,500mm of rainfall, but now one half of the region receives only 2,000mm.

"Land use changes in Western Ghats and large-scale deforestation impacted the eco-system greatly. This is only going to intensify climate change. Deforestation is the prime factor," added Ramachandra.

On the Sharavathi river basin, the western side, which still retains the evergreen forest cover, water bodies like Haridravati and Nagodi are perennial. But on the Eastern side, most streams flow for only four months.

"Our studies show that areas under evergreen forest cover have 60% water, whereas those under monoculture or plantations have just 30% water level," said Ramachandra. Strangely, the government's climate change action plan doesn't even address the concerns of the Western Ghats.

Leader of the Appiko and Save the Western Ghats campaign, Panduranga Hegde, says the resilience of these tropical forests is giving away. The hydel dams built here to power the IT industry are functioning at only 50% because of heavy silt deposits in most streams.