Abstract
The rural human communities of Northern mountains of Pakistan face multiple challenges due to climate change
including social, health, economic, political and environmental issues. This research aims to identify socio-economic
and health status of mountain dwellers along with climate impacts in Gilgit Baltistan (GB). About 1.8 million
inhabitants of GB region are divided in different sects, speak a variety of local languages and have cultural diversity. In
this research, 226 individuals were surveyed to identify demographic, socioeconomic, health and education status. Most
of the interviewees belong to low income group. The public health quality of water samples (n=45) was determined for
TCC, TFC, TFS indicate heavy microbial contamination. The study highlights climate change impacts on each sector
by causing multiple issues like education losses, financial and life losses, traumas, health and diseases and
infrastructure damage etc. There are issues of water and sanitation and solid waste and transportation. There is a need
to implement on policies, conserve and manage environmental resources to upgrade social status of mountain
communities.
