Climate change continually impacts various aspects of our planet, but one of the most striking areas in which this effect can be seen are the high-altitude regions of the planet, where glaciers and permafrost are central to the natural landscapes and vital for the mountaineering industry. From the ski resorts of the Alps to the high peaks of the Himalayas, there is no place that has completely escaped the grasps of the gradual, yet accelerating effects of climate change, which have caused climbers, guides, and the many other mountain-dependent economies to face unique challenges.
Glacial retreat has been one of the most noticeable impacts of climate change in mountainous regions, with alpine glaciers—especially in Europe—melting at unprecedented rates. Since 1980, glaciers in the Alps have lost around half of their total volume, with an estimated two meters of ice melting every year from many of their peaks1 .This reduction in ice mass creates an unstable environment for climbers, leading to increased rockfalls, avalanches, and less reliable climbing conditions. The reduced snow season, which comes as a result of climate change, has shortened to around 38 days over the recent decades2 and has impacted classic routes in areas like Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, where the stability of rock and ice are essential for climbers’ safety. Studies have also revealed that the rate of temperature increase in alpine regions are greater than the global average, as a result magnifying the effects of climate change on glacial retreat. Due to the average snow season rapidly shrinking, a greater pressure has been placed on mountain environments 3, and a larger surge of climbers in a shorter space of time can create safety hazards for all who venture into these areas.
A clear example of climate change’s impact on high-altitude mountaineering can be seen at the Khumbu icefall, located in Mount Everest. This segment of glacier connects Everest Base Camp and Camp 1, and is very well known for its shifting ice towers (seracs) and its deep crevasses. This section has always been known to be dangerous, but climate change has intensified its dangers, and as temperatures rise, the rate of ice melt increases, causing the seracs to move unpredictably, creating a fatal risk for climbers. In 2014, likely due to glacier having melted 12-15m since 19534, a massive avalanche in the Khumbu icefall claimed the lives of 16 Sherpa climbers 4, illustrating the treacherous conditions that have been caused by warming temperatures. The situation however, has only worsened. Experts report that thinning in the glaciers and glacial retreat in the Himalayas are accelerating, with ice loss increasing instability and making the routes more dangerous than ever before 5 . Some guide companies have even begun offering alternative routes or have set up permanent ropes to speed up travel through the icefall to minimise the climbers’ risk. However, these precautions cannot fully protect the climbers from the unpredictability of the ice, reinforcing how climate change has shaped the landscape of Everest.
Climate change has not only affected climbers and guides, but also the mountain communities and their economies that rely on tourism. Many local communities in regions like Nepal’s Khumbu Valley or Chamonix, France, depend on mountaineering for their livelihoods. For example, in Nepal, climbing permits on Everest generate a substantial revenue, with the government issuing over 400 permits annually, each costing around $11,000 6. However, as routes become more dangerous and the seasons shorter than ever, fewer climbers may attempt these ascents, impacting revenue for local businesses and the government. Furthermore, the increasing risks are driving the costs of expeditions to be higher. Insurance for climbing guides and Sherpas have risen, alongside costs associated with medical facilities and rescue operations. These financial burdens may deter future climbers from ever attempting the mountain, thus impacting the accessibility to Everest and the local businesses.
To mitigate these challenges, the mountaineering community have implemented several adaptive measures. For instance, in the Khumbu region, initiatives like the Eco Everest Expedition aim to raise awareness about climate change and promote responsible practices. This program, led by veteran climbers such as Apa Sherpa and Dawa Steven Sherpa, encourages climbers to reduce their impact on the environment through adopting waste disposal policies and supporting local environmental projects. These efforts not only raise awareness but provide practical solutions to preserve the environment. Additionally in high-risk areas, technology such as Switzerland’s PermaSense project have been implemented in some cases. PermaSense employs sensors to track mountain stability, providing real-time data that allows climbers and rescue teams to respond quickly to environmental shifts. This is essential as the Alps and other ranges alike become more unpredictable and unstable due to global warming. 7
As global temperatures continue to rise, the mountaineering industry faces a difficult and uncertain future. Although alternative routes and adaptive strategies can offer immediate solutions, the wider impact of climate change on glaciers and weather patterns will create further challenges. Ultimately, the transformation of mountain landscapes calls for an urgent need to climate action, as without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the world’s mountains along with its industries and communities will also suffer and may even face irrevocable changes, changing the mountaineering experience for the generations to come.
