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.
![]() 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 » |
![]() Local efforts for ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction and resilient forest livelihoods in the mountain watersheds of the PhilippinespublicationThis policy brief explores the willingness of local authorities to strengthen adaptation and resilience to climate change while improving social well-being and economic development. It presents forest restoration and sustainable agricultural practices, institutionalized yet led by communities, as effective methods for reducing risks, improving the resilience of farmer communities and... Download » |
![]() How coffee value chains foster climate-resilient livelihoods: The FAO-Slow Food Coffee Coalition experiencepublicationThis document introduces how agroforestry coffee improves resilience and ensures livelihoods in the context of climate risk and access to markets. Our intention is to reflect on the benefits and constraints of agroforestry coffee production, good practices for facilitating a fair and sustainable value chain, and what is needed for... Download » |
![]() Mountain forests masterclass: Insights from the fieldeventIn the lead up to the 27th Session of the Committee on Forestry (COFO 27) and the 9th World Forest Week, this event is dedicated to spotlighting success stories from young mountain foresters operating in the field. Organized together by the Mountain Youth Hub (MYH) and the COFO 27 Youth... Read more » |
Mountain Partnership
| Our work
| Focus areas
| Follow Us Subscribe to Peak to Peak Newsletter
|