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.
![]() 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... Read more » |
![]() 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... Read more » |
![]() Mountains and the 2030 Agenda – COP22newsOrganized within the framework of the Mountain Partnership, the official side event “Mapping and understanding mountains to achieve the 2030 Agenda” was held on 11 November 2016 at the 22nd Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP22). The session focused on assessing... Read more » |
![]() UNFCCC COP22 and Mountain Partnership side eventseventAt the 22nd Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP22), also known as the Marrakech Climate Change Conference, on 7-18 November 2016, nations of the world will continue their work on strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, with... Read more » |
![]() Survey shows positive impacts of IPROMO coursenewsIn July 2017, the International Programme on Research and Training on Sustainable Management of Mountain Areas (IPROMO) will celebrate its tenth anniversary. In order to assess the impact IPROMO has had on its participants’ career development and networking and to improve the programme for the next courses, the Mountain Partnership... Read more » |
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