Sherpa Himalaya trek for climate change awareness
Nepal’s President Ram Baran Yadav (L) hands over the country’s national flag to Nepalese climber Apa Sherpa (2R) who holds the record for the number of times he has summitted Mount Everest, flanked by his team members at the President’s Office in Kathmandu on January 12, 2012. On January 15, Apa and his team will begin their trek on the 1700 kilometre, 120 days trek dubbed ‘Great Himalayan Trail’ to highlight the impacts of climate change.
Super Sherpa Apa Sherpa — who has climbed Everest a record 21 times — plans to trek the length of Nepal's newly launched Great Himalayan Trail to raise awareness about the impact of climate change.
The relatively new trail cobbles together various legs of the Himalayan range, which is home to Everest, K2 and more than 100 peaks exceeding 21,000 feet in height.
“Apa Sherpa, 52, will be accompanied by two-time Everest climber Dawa Steven Sherpa on the grueling 1,700 km (1,062 mile) 120-day walk,” Reuters reported, in its deadpan style.
Reuters quoted Aga Sherpa as saying:
During the walk we will see the challenges faced by the local people in dealing with the effects of climate change on the remote and poor foothills of Himalayas.
You may recall the controversy over the melting glaciers — which climate change activists had claimed were shrinking far more rapidly than the evidence supports.
But there's little doubt that there have been significant changes already due to warmer temperatures. And perhaps the observations of “regular guys” (okay, topping Everest 21 times isn't that regular) will show some sense behind the science.
More from GlobalPost: Adventure travel, The Great Himalaya Trail
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever! Every gift will be matched 2:1, so your impact will go even further.