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.
![]() Environmental calendar drawn up in ArgentinanewsAn environmental calendar was created in the first half of 2016, with the support of CONICET, in Santa Catalina, a town situated in the high elevations of the Argentinian province of Jujuy. The result of intercultural efforts, the calendar was requested by various communities who wanted to record their local... Read more » |
![]() Demography, culture and life in the AlpsnewsMigration and depopulation, perspectives of traditional crafts, climate change and health are some of the topics that will be discussed during the AlpWeek 2016. Organized by the main Alpine organizations, AlpWeek 2016 will take place on 11-15 October 2016 in Grassau, Germany. Numerous thought-provoking sessions, market stands and exhibitions will... Read more » |
![]() Story grant opportunity for Nepali journalistsnewsThe International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is pleased to announce a story grant opportunity and invites applications from interested Nepali journalists to apply for the ICIMOD Small Story Grant 2016 – Nepal. Currently in its fourth edition, ICIMOD is introducing this seminal Fellowship Programme for Nepali journalists... Read more » |
![]() Apply for Green Climate Fund observer statusnewsThe application process for accreditation as an observer organization to the Green Climate Fund is currently open. Civil society organizations (CSOs), private sector organizations (PSOs) and international entities (IEs), wishing to obtain observer status, are invited to apply in order to attend the fourteenth meeting of the Board of the... Read more » |
![]() Call for case studies on mountain culturepeak to peakIssue 95 – Month 8 – Year 2016 The August issue of Peak to Peak calls for case studies on mountain culture for International Mountain Day (IMD) communication materials. The newsletter continues with stories about a mountain apricot community in the Kyrgyz Republic, a call... Download » |
![]() How NGOs can apply for UNFCCC observer statusnewsFor representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to attend any sessions or meetings of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), they must first be admitted by the Conference of the Parties (COP) as observer organizations. If your organization is interested in being admitted as an observer organization, you... Read more » |
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