Human activities are profoundly affecting the world’s climate, and mountains are a sensitive indicator of that effect. Because of their altitude, slope and orientation to the sun, mountain ecosystems are easily disrupted by variations in climate. Many scientists believe that the changes occurring in mountain ecosystems may provide an early glimpse of what could come to pass in lowland environments.
As the world heats up, mountain glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates, while rare plants and animals struggle to survive over ever diminishing areas, and mountain peoples, already among the world’s poorest citizens, face even greater hardships.
Changes in the volume of mountain glaciers and in their seasonal melting patterns have an impact on water resources in many parts of the world. Changes in water availability due to climate change are taking place at a time when pressure on water resources for irrigation and food production, industrialization and urbanization is increasing.
Understanding how climate change affects mountains is vital as governments and international organizations develop strategies to reverse current global warming trends, elaborating treaties such as the Kyoto Protocol and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. In addition, local community empowerment can be an essential step towards building climate change resilience in mountains.
2nd International Conference on ''Mountains: Biodiversity, Landscapes and Cultures''eventThe International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) and Western Caspian University are organizing the 2nd International Conference on “Mountains: Cultures, Landscapes & Biodiversity" in Baku, Azerbaijan at Western Caspian University on 5-6 November 2024. The conference's main topics will be:
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27th session of the FAO Committee on ForestryeventThe 27th Session of the Committee on Forestry (COFO 27) wil be held at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy from 22-26 July in a hybrid format. COFO 27 brings together high-level representatives, heads of forest services, government officials and partner organizations to identify emerging policy and technical guidance, seek solutions,... Read more » |
Adaptation at Altitude Knowledge Network learning event - Lessons Learned: Designing and Implementing Transboundary Adaptation in MountainseventJoin for a panel discussion on transboundary climate risks and how to successfully design and implement cross-border adaptation projects! Mountains suffer some of the most visible impacts of climate change: rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are melting glaciers, disrupting water flows and affecting ecosystems, creating and worsening natural hazards and Read more » |
Apply for "GROW - Agrobiodiversity in a Changing Climate" 2024newsThe application period for the 2024 edition of the online training programme GROW - Agrobiodiversity in a Changing Climate is now open. The course will be held from 12 to 22 November 2024. Securing access to healthy, safe, and high-quality food for all while maintaining environmental sustainability is one of the... Read more » |
Evaluation workshop for project "Enhancing community resilience to climate change in mountain watersheds"eventThe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) project "Enhancing Community Resilience to Climate Change in Mountain Watersheds" (GCP/GLO/042/JPN), funded by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and supported by the Mountain Partnership Secretariat, aims to strengthen the capacities of institutions and communities in forest-based... Read more » |
IISD report on UNFCCC expert dialogue on mountains and climate changepeak to peakThe July 2024 issue of Peak to Peak reports on the first ever expert dialogue on mountains and climate change held within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Top news stories cover side events and youth experiences at the 60th session of the Subsidiary Body for... Download » |
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