The Nepal Mountaineering Association is concerned that global
warming is making the Himalaya increasingly unsafe
both for local inhabitants and trekkers and mountaineers, reports the
BBC.
In particular the retreat of glaciers, the resulting growth in
glacial lakes and an increase in precipitation at times when it was
previously rare have created new hazards for locals and visitors
alike.
Melting? The Annapurna Sanctuary
The BBC quotes Ang Tsering Sherpa, the president of the Nepal
Mountaineering Association, as saying that "in seasons when we don't
normally expect any snowfall, we see heavy snowfalls. And in seasons
when we expect heavy snowfalls, we have no snowfalls at all. We are
worried."
One danger that's often overlooked not just in the Himalaya, but also in
the Alps and Andes, is the growth in glacial lakes caused by meltwater
from receding glaciers. These are often held in place only by dams of
morraine and other loose rubble and any sort of seismic disturbance
can potentially cause devastating flooding of the valleys below. At a
wider level, melting glaciers could have wider implications for river
systems throughout Asia.
Somewhat depressing but interesting reading at news.bbc.co.uk
hannah popai
