Everest expedition to create climate change awareness

KATHMANDU: A UN-backed expedition will scale Mount Everest this spring to create awareness about the impact of climate change on the mountain range.

Dawa Steven Sherpa of Asian Trekking will lead the 'Eco Everest Expedition 2008' in partnership with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

"I will install the ICIMOD flag on top of the Everest (8,848 mt) if successful in the summit," Dawa said at a press meet here today.

Dawa had successfully scaled the world's highest peak in May 2007. He now wants to create awareness about the various impacts of climate change on the fragile ecosystem.

There are at least 20 glacial lakes in Nepal which are endangered due to the climate change, he said. An 18-member team involving eight foreigners and 10 Sherpas will leave Kathmandu for Lukla, the gate way to Everest on April 16.

The expedition will be a platform to draw maximum global attention to the issues of climate change and melting glaciers in the Himalayas, he said.

The expedition will specifically highlight the threats glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) pose to the local communities and environment in the region, Dawa said.