Climate Change Threatens Iconic Andes Mountains
El Plomo, a 5,400-meter peak in Chile, is facing unprecedented changes due to climate change, Al Jazeera reported yesterday.
Once revered by the Incas, the mountain’s glacier is retreating rapidly, causing landslides and sinkholes that disrupt ancient paths. Francisco Gallardo, a local muleteer, fears his family may need to relocate within a decade due to the mountain’s deterioration.
As global temperatures rise, the Andes, home to 99% of the world’s tropical glaciers, are particularly vulnerable. Studies show temperatures at high altitudes have increased significantly, leading to erratic rainfall and degraded ecosystems. Indigenous climbers like Edson Ramirez note that rain at 5,000 meters is now common, indicating drastic climatic shifts.
With glaciers melting, water supplies are becoming contaminated, threatening agriculture and drinking water for millions. Experts warn that without immediate action, the Andes’ vital role in the region’s water cycle and ecosystems will be severely compromised.
