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Mount Everest faces more than just lower ice levels, experts say

Researchers from University of Main say climate change is a real wake up call

For adventurers around the world, Mount Everest is an unforgettable sight but, if you take a closer look at the iconic icy vista... you might notice a problem.

Data shows the surface of the ice at base camp in Nepal sits more than 150 feet lower than it did 35 years ago.

Recently a team of 30 scientists fanned out across the Mt. Everest area to collecting hundreds of samples but they found more than just nature’s resources.

They also found microplastics.

Findings from the journal “One Earth” published in National Geographic found although some of the discoveries, like the presence of microplastics, don’t pose an immediate environmental threat, others are much more worrisome.

For one, even the world’s highest glaciers are losing ice at an accelerating rate.

At risk are not only the local communities and the vital mountain tourism industry they rely on, but also the millions downstream who depend on the glaciers for freshwater.

The leader of the research expedition and the director of the climate change institute at the University of Maine says it’s a real wake up call.

While searching through an area 27,500 feet from the top of the mountain, tons of thin, curly fibers of microplastic were found.

These microplastics on everest are largely made up of polyester, followed by acrylic, nylon, and polypropylene—materials all commonly used in outdoor gear.

The plastics were also in greater concentration wherever humans most commonly camp.

Now with more and more human interaction with the mountain – and tourist spot – the question ahead is what does the future hold for Everest and the greater Himalayas?

A top scientist says wherever people go, we leave our imprint, and that imprint is not always positive.


About the Authors
Max Massey headshot

Max Massey is the GMSA weekend anchor and a general assignments reporter. Max has been live at some of the biggest national stories out of Texas in recent years, including the Sutherland Springs shooting, Hurricane Harvey and the manhunt for the Austin bomber. Outside of work, Max follows politics and sports, especially Penn State, his alma mater.

Sarah Acosta headshot

Sarah Acosta is a weekend Good Morning San Antonio anchor and a general assignments reporter at KSAT12. She joined the news team in April 2018 as a morning reporter for GMSA and is a native South Texan.

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