Everest Base Camp is being relocated to Nepal because of environmental concerns.
Taranath Adhikari (Director General of Nepal’s Department of Tourism) stated that Base Camp is at risk due to the melting of the nearby Khumbu glacier.
“We received suggestions from many stakeholders to relocate the base camp. CNN Travel’s Adhikari said that although no decision has been made, they are considering these suggestions seriously.
These stakeholders include local residents as well as mountaineers and environmental specialists.
But, no major changes will be made to Mount Everest (the world’s highest peak) in a hurry.
Research activities cannot be done during spring so it may take 2 to 3 years for a decision. Some of these studies were done during the spring climbing season which usually peaks in May.
After the parties have completed their research, they will need to submit a proposal for consideration to the Nepali government. The final decision would be made by the Cabinet of Nepal.
Adhikari mentioned “anthropogenic actions” (also known as human behavior) and climate change as major issues impacting Base Camp. The Khumbu glacier’s melting rate is faster than its natural rate.
Concerned parties have raised alarms about Mount Everest’s environmental damage many times before.
An earlier study published in Nature Portfolio Journal of Climate and Atmospheric Science revealed that the South Col Glacier’s ice had melted over a period of around 2,000 years.
Paul Mayewski was the expedition leader and director of the Climate Change Institute at University of Maine. He stated that the findings were a complete departure from the previous experience in the area during the likely entire period of human occupation in the mountains.
Many of the most treasured places in the world are being affected by climate change.
“Nepal cannot, by itself, reduce global warming and carbon emissions.” Adhikari stated. Adhikari said, “But, we can mitigate certain matters by taking such kind of temporary steps.”
He said, “On one hand, we want the mountain and glacier to be preserved. We don’t want the mountain economy to be affected.”
Nepal has faced constant challenges in balancing the desire to climb Everest with the demands of its local communities.
The fourth-largest sector in Nepal is tourism. 11.5% of Nepalis work in this industry in some capacity, whether it’s in a guesthouse, hotel, or guide foreign tourists up the highest mountains in the world.
Permits to climb Everest are $11,000 per person. One-fifth of the money goes to communities around the mountain.
Mountaineering is dangerous. Nepal banned Everest novice climbers in 2015 due to safety concerns and overcrowding.
Traffic jams can be dangerous because too many climbers are allowed to ascend in the brief window of weather.
Mount Everest’s Base Camp lies at 5,400m (17,700 feet) above the sea level.
The proposed location of a new Base Camp could be between 200 and 300 meters (656 to 984 feet) below current altitude.
