Environmental Issues in the Everest Region

The Everest region and the Sagarmatha National Park have been facing significant environmental challenges in recent years due to climate change and pollution. The increasing number of trekkers and climbers has led to waste accumulation and environmental degradation, while the effects of climate change are causing glaciers to melt, threatening the region’s ecosystem and the livelihoods of local communities.

The most easily noticeable problem in this region is the accumulation of waste left behind by climbers in the mountains. These wastes not only harm the environment and people but also reduce the beauty of these mountains. However, while the waste problem is a significant issue, it is not as critical as the issue of climate change happening in and around this region. Due to global warming, the snows in the mountains have melted and retreated quite significantly and the glaciers are melting at an alarming rate. The amount and rate of snowfall have also noticeably decreased over the years, while the climate is getting comparatively warmer every passing year. The rapidly changing climate is threatening the local flora and fauna as well. Many species are on the verge of extinction. Species that rely on cold temperatures, such as the snow leopard and red panda, are being endangered due to rising temperatures. Conversely, alpine plants, which are adapted to high-altitudes, are struggling to survive in the warmer conditions. The danger of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) poses an ever-looming threat to the people of this region.

There have been several efforts to solve these issues over the years. The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) has implemented “No Trace” policies that require trekkers to carry their waste with them. In addition, climbers are required to bring back their waste, including human waste, to lower altitudes. There have also been several attempts to clean up the Everest Base Camp and other high-altitude areas where the amount of human wastes are very high. Many trekking companies and organizations are working to raise awareness about the environmental impacts of tourism in the Everest region. They are promoting sustainable practices, such as using solar energy, conserving water, and minimizing the carbon footprint of trekkers and climbers. Some trekking companies are also promoting the use of biodegradable products and reusable containers to minimize plastic waste. Usage of renewable sources of energy, such as solar panels, are also being encouraged since they help reduce usage of kerosene and wood. Various awareness programs are conducted from time to time in these regions to help educate the local people about climate change, pollution, waste management, etc. As awareness grows, it is essential for both tourists and local people to work together to preserve the natural beauty of this region.

Despite these efforts, the same environmental problems continue to plague the people of this region. This region, which is known for its tranquility and natural beauty, is now beginning to become crowded and polluted due to huge influx of tourists and climbers. In addition, the dangers and risks of natural disasters, such as flooding, avalanche, fire and earthquake have also increased significantly in recent years, severely impacting both the place and the people living here. For instance, a lot of places in this region were badly damaged during the 2015 earthquake, and recently a huge flood, which is believed to be the result of a glacier lake outburst (GLOF), devastated Thame (a small Sherpa village near Namche Bazaar) and surrounding areas. Likewise, there have been several incidents of people dying on the mountains due to avalanche and other adverse weather conditions.