UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres calls on mountain countries to take bold action on climate change mitigation and adaption
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Mountains and climate change
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.
Resilience in the rural AndesnewsA recently published special issue of Regional Environmental Change focuses on “Resilience in the rural Andes”. The Andes present an ideal learning space to draw lessons on existing and emerging resilience challenges and opportunities. Andean people and communities have co-evolved with the unique high-mountain contexts in which they...
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Mountain Research and Development issue onlinenewsThe articles in this issue of Mountain Research and Development derive from papers presented at the 2015 Perth III “Mountains of Our Future Earth” conference and align themselves with research themes of Future Earth. The papers feature a Canadian software tool to compare mountain photos for environmental monitoring,...
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Online mountain assessment tool launchednewsThe Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment (GMBA) Program of Future Earth launched a new version of the GMBA Mountain Portal on 11 December, International Mountain Day, along with the GMBA mountain inventory. The GMBA Mountain Portal is a resource developed by Map of Life that...
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ICIMOD celebrates Himalayan culturesnewsFor many, mountains evoke powerful emotions with their breathtaking landscapes that inspire wonder. Mountains cover nearly 22 percent of the world’s land surface and are home to 13 percent of the global population. They serve as water towers to the world, providing for the freshwater needs of more than half...
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FAO launches Mountain Cultures Photo Contestpeak to peakIssue 99 – Month 12 – Year 2016 The December issue of Peak to Peak announces the launch of the Mountain Cultures Photo Contest in celebration of International Mountain Day 2016, “Mountain Cultures: celebrating diversity and strengthening identity”. The newsletter continues with stories about 20 families living in... Download » |
Climate change and reforesting mountainsnewsHuman-induced climate change and water-related crises unite people around the world and increase the necessity for the global community to work together cooperatively with serious intent in addressing these urgent matters. Because water issues are of such importance to the non-profit company Active Remedy Ltd., Directors Stella Joy...
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