Climate Change and Its Effects on the Sherpas, Antarctica, and Cacti

The Sherpa communities in the Himalayas are grappling with significant climate change, which poses a threat to their environment, livelihoods, and centuries-old culture. Rising temperatures, melting glaciers, increased risk of avalanches, and shorter climbing seasons are all impacting their traditional way of life. However, their survival does not rest solely in their hands, but rather in the power of international cooperation and environmental protection. It is only through global unity that we can ensure the preservation of these unique cultures and ecosystems.

For instance, scientists from Rutgers University conducting a months-long expedition to Antarctica have discovered that its eastern part is melting at an unprecedented rate. Studies indicate that the melting of all the ice in the Wilkes Basin region could lead to a global sea level rise of more than 3 metres. The scientists gathered sea ice and seawater samples from 27 locations in the ocean surrounding Antarctica, enabling them to study biogeochemical processes related to climate change.

The Key Largo tree cactus, the first vascular plant to become extinct in the wild in the United States, fell victim to rising sea levels and soil depletion by tides and hurricanes in the Florida Keys. Despite their ability to thrive in arid environments, cacti are among the most threatened organisms on Earth, largely due to rising temperatures, increasing sea levels, and wildfires of grass and forests.