The Everest region or Khumbu region is one of the most fragile mountain environments on this planet. Mount Everest (Chomolungma/Sagarmatha) lies along the Nepal-China border, and the impact of climate change in the Everest Region is increasingly visible. Glaciers are receding, glacial lakes are expanding, and natural hazards like avalanches and lake bursts are also on the rise. These problems are worsened by transboundary pollution and ecological stress resulting from more than 32,000 annual visitors that further destroy the ecosystem.
The region ranges from valleys at 2,800 meters to the top of Mount Everest at 8,848 meters and is therefore highly vulnerable to climate change. As the world temperature increases, Nepal's temperature is also increasing at a higher rate—at about 0.056°C per year. In the mountains, this is even higher, up to 0.08°C per year, a phenomenon known as elevation-dependent warming.
The impact of global warming on the Everest Base Camp Trek route is changing climate conditions and introducing glacier melting, thus raising the level of difficulty involved in the trek. As the ecosystem of the area continues to change, it becomes necessary to recognize such challenges and discuss the likely solutions. In this blog, we’ll discuss the impact of climate change on the Everest region, its effects on the local environment and communities, and what efforts can be made to mitigate these threats.
Everest Base Camp with melting glaciers
Observable Impacts of Climate Change in Everest Region
The glaciers within the Everest region are melting quickly due to rising temperatures. One of the most well-known glaciers, the Khumbu Glacier, has lost approximately 50 meters in thickness over time. It has been declining by approximately 30 meters each year for the last 20 years. This rapid melting is affecting the water level in rivers and forming new glacial lakes.
When glaciers melt, they form large lakes, which are dangerous. Imja Tsho is one of the most significant glacial lakes, which started as five small ponds in the 1950s. In 1975, it turned into a huge lake. If these lakes overflow or burst, they cause floods known as Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Scientists are worried that this could be a massive threat for the people living downstream.
Global warming has melted the snow extensively, and most of Nepal's mountains are now black, bare rocks. When snow melts, stream flow increases, affecting local water supplies. Scientists indicate that temperatures rising by 3-4°C could lead to Himalayan snow disappearing by as much as 70%. This would impact individuals relying on snowmelt for water to drink, agriculture, and everyday uses.
The Sherpas have also noted a big change in the weather over the years. The winters in Everest region are getting warmer, with less snowfall, and monsoons are becoming less predictable. This has also made farming harder since crops like potatoes, barley, and beans are affected. There are also increasingly more storms and floods, showing the impact of climate change.
Not only are rising temperatures altering weather but also the environment. Sherpas see new wildlife, like mosquitoes, at higher elevations and attribute it to rising temperatures. Younger generation Sherpas regard it as the consequence of climate change, but the elderly associate it with religious changes. No matter the reason, the effects on people and nature are becoming more obvious.
As the frozen ground (permafrost) melts, the land becomes unstable. This can lead to landslides and collapsing mountain slopes. In places like Everest Base Camp and higher-altitude villages, buildings, trails, and lodges are at risk of damage or even collapse due to the shifting ground.
Consequences of climate change in Mountaineering and Tourism
Nepal's mountains are one of the world's top travel destinations, and tourism is central to mountain lives. Climate change is increasing the effects of climate change on mountaineering and tourism. Rising temperatures, shifting weather, and natural hazards are heightening the dangers of mountaineering and trekking and affecting the livelihoods in the local region.
Himalayan glaciers are receding rapidly. Experts estimate that a rise in temperature by 3-4°C would melt 60-70% of the snow cover. As a result, trails are becoming more difficult to ascend with exposed rock faces and fragile ice. Spring climbing season, which was earlier 6-8 weeks, now lasts only 4-6 weeks with fewer stable weather days, so expeditions are more challenging to plan.
Avalanches, rockfalls, and landslides become more common, threatening climbers and Sherpas more. Sherpas from the Everest region have witnessed extreme changes in weather, including reduced snowfall, increased temperatures, and stronger storms. Unusual weather has also impacted agriculture, with potato, barley, and beans crops growing below expectations due to heatwaves and extreme monsoons. New insects and pests, possibly from lower altitudes, have also emerged. Tourism infrastructure and trekking trails are also getting impacted, as harsh weather conditions destroy roads, trails, and lodges. Unstable terrain and heavy rains have led to more landslides, and therefore trekking is becoming more risky.
Namche Bazaar Village
What are the primary causes of Climate change in the Everest Region?
Global Greenhouse gas emissions
One of the major causes of climate change in the Everest region is the rise in global greenhouse gas . The burning of fossil fuels for energy, industrial activities, and transportation releases huge amounts of carbon dioxide , methane , and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to global warming, which accelerates glacial melting in the Himalayas, including the Everest region.
While isolated, the region is affected by pollution carried over from South Asia, West Asia, and remote industrial activity. Winds deposit black carbon and other fine particulates that lead to excessive glacial melting and ecosystem degradation.
Rising Temperature
Everest region temperatures are increasing more rapidly than the global average because of climate change. Studies indicate a temperature rise of approximately 0.6°C over the last 50 years, close to twice the rate for the world as a whole. Temperatures in the region increased by 1.5°C from 1971 to 2014. The glacier melting, such as that of the Khumbu Glacier, is resulting from this warming. Glacial melting alters the local climate, disrupts the water supplies (on which countless communities depend), and leads to the expansion of glacial lakes, which bring the increase in floods and landslides.
Deforestation and Land use changes
Everest area deforestation, though less extensive than elsewhere in Nepal, also adds to global warming. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and keep the climate stable. But as pressure for land for farming and housing, and as a source of firewood increases, deforestation disrupts local ecosystems, reduces carbon absorption, and puts more carbon into the atmosphere.
Increase in number of tourists and Waste Management Issues
Mountaineering and trekking is a big economic activity in the Everest region . While it generates income, it also contributes to climate change by raising energy usage, waste generation, and deforestation . Helicopter flights, fuel usage, and improper waste disposal add to pollution, and increased footprints can cause erosion of soil and degradation of the environment.
A key issue is the improper disposal of solid and liquid waste, which releases methane and other harmful gases into the environment. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, accelerates global warming when organic waste decomposes in landfills. Poor management of hazardous waste can also release toxic substances, harming both the environment and human health.
Stupas in the Tengboche
Black Carbon and Air Pollution
Black carbon, which is an atmospheric pollutant with particulate origin due to burning of biomass, diesel, and coal, was found to play a role in the rapid melting of the glaciers of the Himalayas. India and China, which are the sources of the pollutant, transport it via wind currents as far as to the Everest regions.
Black carbon deposited on ice and snow decreases their reflectivity and causes them to absorb a greater amount of solar heat and therefore melt more rapidly. In addition, due to the cold conditions prevailing in the region, the locals utilize wood and dried cow or yak dung for fuel. Although required for their survival, the process releases black carbon and other contaminants into the air, which also lead to glacial melting and deterioration of the environment.
Efforts to Mitigate Climate Change in the Everest Region
Though climate change is a worldwide issue and measures are being taken to mitigate its effect all over Nepal, certain actions in the Everest region are necessary to preserve its unique ecosystem. The following points state some of the necessary steps adopted for the fight against climate change in the Everest region and ongoing efforts to restrict its effect.
Sustainable Tourism Practices
The Everest region has also adopted some strict regulations on tourism to mitigate its environmental effect. Some of the sustainable actions taken in the Everest region against climate change are:
All the trekking companies are now required to take out their waste, thereby minimizing littering on the trails.
Designated campsites are created to avoid environmental disruption.
Most of the lodges have adopted green policies, including using the installation of solar water heaters and energy-saving light bulbs to reduce power consumption.
Tour operators are obligated to adopt a firm "leave no trace" policy to prevent degradation of the environment.
Group sizes are generally limited to 4-12 persons to reduce impact on trails and the natural environment.
Along with foreign companies, local communities have set up the Sagarmatha Next Center in Syangboche. The center addresses mountain waste management problems in the Everest region, shifting garbage management in this high-altitude area.
Renewable Energy Projects
The Everest region has made great progress in using clean energy. Some of the efforts include:
Many remote villages have started using solar energy by installing solar panels to reduce the use of firewood and fossil fuels.
Micro Hydropower projects are using mountain streams to produce electricity for local communities.
Wind energy installations are being tested in areas where they can work well to find other renewable energy sources.
These clean energy efforts help reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.
By using less firewood, these efforts also help preserve local forests and prevent deforestation.
Reforestation and Conservation Activities
Some of the actions in the Everest region for conservation of the environment are as follows:
Huge tree plantation programmes are being initiated to check deforestation and improve carbon sequestration.
Community forest programmes are carried out where locals take an active participation in managing the forests.
Protected zones have been augmented in order to sustain vital ecosystems and wildlife corridors.
Indigenous plants are given major importance in afforestation to ensure biodiversity and promote ecosystems.
The Sagarmatha National Park Conservation Program works to preserve biodiversity, protect endangered species like the snow leopard and red panda, and promote sustainable tourism while limiting deforestation.
The Khumbu Environmental Conservation Program focuses on reducing the environmental impact of trekking by encouraging practices such as waste recycling and limiting firewood use.
view around Everest region on the clear day
Climate Change Awareness and Education
Educational programs have been developed to inform both locals and visitors about the impacts of climate change.
Schools in the region now include environmental education as part of their curriculum.
Training workshops are organized to help local farmers adapt their farming practices to changing weather patterns.
Information centers along trekking routes provide visitors with details about climate change and its effects on the mountain ecosystem.
Community-based programs engage local residents in citizen science projects to monitor environmental changes.
Glacier Monitoring and Protection
Below are the efforts made towards monitoring and conservation of glaciers in the Everest region
Scientific researchers have been observing how glaciers melt and shift.
Early warning systems have been put in place to recognize dangerous changes in glacial lakes.
Monitoring stations receive information about the alteration of temperatures and the way the glaciers are being affected by it.
Glacier-related hazards are explained and recognized by the local populations and reported.
There is international cooperation to share information and resources to conserve glaciers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is climate change affecting the Everest region?
Climate change is causing rising temperatures, leading to glacier melt, unpredictable weather, and increased risks of avalanches and landslides in the Everest region. These changes impact trekking routes, local communities, and the overall ecosystem.
Is the Everest Base Camp trek affected by climate change?
Yes, the Everest Base Camp trek is affected by climate change due to unstable trails, changing weather conditions, and shifting seasonal patterns. The trekking season is becoming more unpredictable, and melting ice is reshaping the landscape.
How does global warming impact the glaciers in the Everest region?
Rising global temperatures are accelerating the melting of glaciers, causing glacial lakes to expand. This increases the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which can devastate local villages and infrastructure.
Everest View from Kalapatthar
When is the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp considering climate change?
The ideal time for trekking to Everest base camp is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Both seasons have stable weather and clear skies. Sadly, due to global warming, the weather has become unpredictable, and hence the best time to plan your trek is in these months so that you don't get caught in unfavorable weather.
What wildlife species are threatened by climate change in the Everest region?
The species such as snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, and red panda are suffering from the impact of climate change. The increase in temperature and modification of habitat are making the survival of the animals difficult in their habitats and hard to locate one.
Can I still trek to Everest Base Camp safely despite the effects of climate change?
Yes, you can still trek to Everest Base Camp safely. Climate change has, however, caused rising temperatures, glacier melting, and unpredictable weather. To stay safe, trek during the best times (autumn and spring), follow a well-planned itinerary, and hike with skilled guides who are familiar with different trail conditions.
What are the main environmental threats to Mount Everest due to climate change?
The biggest threats include glacial retreat, ice collapse, changing snowfall patterns, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events. These factors make climbing more dangerous and threaten the natural beauty of the region.
How does climate change affect local communities in the Everest region?
Local Sherpa communities face water shortages, unpredictable farming seasons, and increased risks of natural disasters. Many are forced to migrate or adapt their lifestyles to cope with these environmental challenges.
What is the impact of melting glaciers on Everest expeditions?
Melting glaciers create hazardous conditions on climbing routes, especially the Khumbu Icefall, where ice collapses have become more frequent. The changing landscape also makes traditional climbing paths more challenging.
Are extreme weather conditions becoming more common in the Everest region?
Yes, extreme weather events like stronger storms, unexpected snowfall, and sudden temperature drops are increasing, making trekking and climbing riskier. These conditions can cause delays and even fatalities.
How is climate change influencing the availability of water in the Everest region?
Glacial melt initially increases water availability, but as glaciers shrink, long-term water shortages become a major concern. This affects drinking water supplies, agriculture, and hydroelectric power generation for local communities.
What is the effect of climate change on biodiversity in the Everest region?
Warmer temperatures are altering the natural habitat of wildlife, affecting snow leopards, Himalayan tahrs, and native plant species. Some species are migrating to higher altitudes, while others struggle to survive.
Are avalanches and landslides increasing in the Everest region due to climate change?
Yes, climate change is causing more frequent avalanches and landslides due to melting permafrost and unstable ice. The 2014 and 2015 Everest avalanches, which caused multiple deaths, were linked to climate-related factors.
How does climate change impact the trekking experience in the Everest region?
Trekkers experience warmer temperatures, changing routes due to glacial melt, and unpredictable weather. Some traditional rest stops and trails are being affected, requiring better preparation and flexibility.
What steps are being taken to mitigate climate change effects in the Everest region?
Efforts include glacier monitoring, waste management programs, reforestation, and climate adaptation projects. Additionally, local organizations and international bodies are working on reducing carbon footprints in the region.
What are scientists saying about the future of Mount Everest amid climate change?
Scientists predict that Everest’s glaciers will shrink dramatically in the coming decades if global temperatures continue to rise. This could make climbing and trekking more difficult and alter the region’s entire ecosystem.
Can tourism in the Everest region contribute to climate change solutions?
Yes, responsible tourism can help by promoting eco-friendly practices, supporting local conservation efforts, reducing plastic waste, and choosing sustainable trekking companies. Visitors can also contribute to reforestation and clean-up campaigns.
Conclusion
The impacts of climate change in the Everest region are becoming more evident, as an increase in temperature causes glaciers like Khumbu to melt rapidly, which creates flood hazards. The residents are facing warmer winters, agricultural difficulties, and changes in altitude-based ecosystems. Solar power, afforestation, education, and waste management at the Sagarmatha Next Center are helping, but challenges persist. Practices like solar power utilization, afforestation, education, and effective waste management at the Sagarmatha Next Center are helping, but issues persist.
In this age of globalization and climate change, poor planning can make trekking unsafe. For a hassle-free and safe trek in the Everest region, contact Himalayan Recreation—we offer a variety of well-organized trekking packages.
Barsha Thapa is our competent team member, currently pursuing her studies at Public Youth Campus. Since 2022, she has been a dedicated part of Himalayan Recreation, where she contributes her skills and enthusiasm to promoting the wonders of Nepal.
Inspired by her colleague Jyoti, a travel enthusiast and expert content creator, Barsha has developed a deep passion for sharing the beauty and culture of the majestic Himalayas. Her role at Himalayan Recreation allows her to combine her academic pursuits with her love for travel and nature.
Committed to showcasing Nepal's unique experiences, Barsha assists in content creation and planning unforgettable journeys, ensuring that every traveler experiences the true essence of Nepal.
When she is not immersed in her studies or work, Barsha enjoys exploring new trails, discovering hidden gems, and immersing herself in the serene landscapes of Nepal. The mountains have become a significant part of her life, fueling her passion and drive to connect with nature and inspire others to do the same.
As a part of the Himalayan Recreation family, Barsha is always eager to share her knowledge and help fellow travelers create lasting memories. Feel free to contact her via WhatsApp or email; she is available online 24/7 for any inquiries or travel plans.
