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

External links

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report and its Cross-Chapter Paper 5 on Mountains

Climate change impacts on mountain regions of the world

Climate-Smart Agriculture

Mountain Research Initiative (MRI)

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

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.

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...

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

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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...

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

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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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Mountain Partnership Secretariat: Annual report 2023

publication

The Mountain Partnership is the United Nations alliance dedicated to mountain peoples and environments. The Secretariat of the Mountain Partnership is hosted by FAO. The 2023 Annual Report of the Mountain Partnership Secretariat (MPS) outlines the MPS' key achievements throughout the year, including supporting the observance of the Five Years...

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Enhancing mountain livelihoods and resilience

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This fact sheet, published by the Mountain Partnership Secretariat of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, highlights initiatives aimed at enhancing livelihoods and resilience in mountain and island ecosystems. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by these regions—from climate change impacts to economic vulnerabilities—the initiatives harness local potential...