Hike Of Climate Change
I have returned from possibly the most difficult hike I have ever done, both physically and mentally. We walked approximately 56km in four days, starting at 4,300 m (14,100 ft) and climbing to 5,300 m (17,400 ft) in very difficult terrain and even more challenging conditions. I have walked further and to similar elevations, but this one almost did me in.
I went to see and document the impact of the changing climate on Peru’s glaciers as well as the people who have lived amongst them for thousands of years. This hike was not possible until about 26 years ago as the entirety of the mountain range was glaciated. It would only be achievable with technical gear to traverse the glaciers.
However, These glaciers are rapidly receding as our climate changes. This glacial area that has withstood for millennia has melted by approximately 40% in the past 50 years. These glaciers provide water for the surrounding pastoral lands of the region which to people depend on, and also feed the headwaters of the Amazon basin, which saw unprecedented drought and forest fires in 2024.
People rely on herding llamas, alpacas, and sheep for their wool, meat, commerce, and even their scat as there is little else they can depend on at these harsh elevations of upwards to 5,000m (16,500ft). They also rely on meltwater from the surrounding glaciers to sustain them and their herds.
The people who have lived amongst these mountains and glaciers for thousands of years gain the least yet suffer the most from the forces impacting the changing climate. Now, they can only watch and pray to the Apus (mountain spirits) and hope that Pachamama (Mother Earth) can heal herself.
The hike required multiple river crossings and unforunately, I fell in the fast-moving, near-freezing water at the end of the first day. The majority of my gear was soaked and my legs cramped up that night as a result of the cold. My boots were wet the rest of the trip and my legs continued to seize up on me for the rest of the hike. I can barely walk today, and I have injuries that I didn’t realize I had until we finished.
I will be recovering over the next few days, drying out my gear and editing the photos.
I hope everyone’s year is off to a strong start.
All the best for the year ahead.
MB
