News

Climate Change threatens a fragile ecosystem in the Andes

01.07.2011

Recent studies by the Antioquia Engineering School in Colombia revealed the Páramo, a fragile ecosystem in the Andes, is extremely threatened by climate change. The Páramo is located above the highest part of the tree belt and the perpetual snow in the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. It is home to 5,000 species with 3,000 existing only there. The Páramo is also the source of fresh water to the Andean lowlands inhabitants. Climate change continues to pose increased threats to the survival of biodiversity and to the water supply for cities, such as Quito (Ecuador) and Bogotá (Colombia). The Antioquia Engineering School monitored the evolution of Páramo since 2004 and will continue to provide information aimed to develop adaptation measures.