UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres calls on mountain countries to take bold action on climate change mitigation and adaption

Mountains and climate change


Human activities are profoundly affecting the world’s climate, and mountains are a sensitive indicator of that effect.
Because of their altitude, slope and orientation to the sun, mountain ecosystems are easily disrupted by variations in climate. Many scientists believe that the changes occurring in mountain ecosystems may provide an early glimpse of what could come to pass in lowland environments.

As the world heats up, mountain glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates, while rare plants and animals struggle to survive over ever diminishing areas, and mountain peoples, already among the world’s poorest citizens, face even greater hardships.

Changes in the volume of mountain glaciers and in their seasonal melting patterns have an impact on water resources in many parts of the world. Changes in water availability due to climate change are taking place at a time when pressure on water resources for irrigation and food production, industrialization and urbanization is increasing.

Understanding how climate change affects mountains is vital as governments and international organizations develop strategies to reverse current global warming trends, elaborating treaties such as the Kyoto Protocol and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.  In addition, local community empowerment can be an essential step towards building climate change resilience in mountains.

UNFCCC COP 29 side event: Education for People, Planet, Peace, and Prosperity

UNFCCC COP 29 side event: Education for People, Planet, Peace, and Prosperity

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The Zero Water Day Partnership is organizing a virtual event "Education for People, Planet, Peace, and Prosperity" on 18 November during the UNFCCC COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The event will focus on youth empowerment, climate action, sustainable mountain development, training the health workforce for climate change, and the role of artificial intelligence...

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CBD COP 16 side event: Global Mountain Governance: Importance for Building Synergies between Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change Adaptation

CBD COP 16 side event: Global Mountain Governance: Importance for Building Synergies between Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change Adaptation

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The event "Global Mountain Governance: Importance for Building Synergies between Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change Adaptation" will take place on 23 October 2024 from 18.00 to 19.30 at the Colombia Pavilion (TBC) during CBD COP 16. This session will address the critical need to enhance regional mountain governance and further...

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World Food Forum side event: Elevating Agriculture: Youth Innovation in Mountain Agrifood Systems

World Food Forum side event: Elevating Agriculture: Youth Innovation in Mountain Agrifood Systems

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The Mountain Youth Hub is organizing the World Food Forum side event "Elevating Agriculture: Youth Innovation in Mountain Agrifood Systems". The event aims to highlight the creative solutions and projects initiated by mountain youth that contribute to sustainable agrifood practices in the unique environment of the mountains. The event...

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UN General Assembly declares 2025–2034 as Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences

UN General Assembly declares 2025–2034 as Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences

news

In a decisive step toward addressing one of the most pressing climate issues, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) unanimously adopted a resolution on 13 August 2024, designating 2025 to 2034 as the "Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences". This landmark decision aims to tackle the growing challenges posed by...

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MPS releases 2023 Annual Report highlighting major achievements in sustainable mountain development

MPS releases 2023 Annual Report highlighting major achievements in sustainable mountain development

peak to peak

The September 2024 issue of Peak to Peak announces the release of the Mountain Partnership Secretariat's 2023 Annual Report, which is available online, showcasing major achievements in sustainable mountain development. Top news stories in this issue highlight the call for applications for “GROW - Agrobiodiversity in a Changing Climate 2024”...

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Recent updates from Adaptation at Altitude: key insights for mountain stakeholders

Recent updates from Adaptation at Altitude: key insights for mountain stakeholders

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The Adaptation at Altitude programme has recently released a series of briefs and articles containing relevant insights for members of the Mountain Partnership and other mountain stakeholders. These publications delve into pressing issues related to climate change, sustainable land management and conservation, offering insights and practical strategies for adaptation.

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