Climate Change and Its Impact on Mountains and Glaciers

Introduction

• Mountains are sources of beauty and adventure.
• Extreme mountaineers like Danny Arnold are climbing Pits Palau, nearly 4,000 meters above sea level.
• Global warming threatens such adventures by melting glaciers.

Climate Change Observations

• Increased frequency of climate events: torrential rains, floods, droughts, and permafrost thaw.
• Significant reduction in winter climbing days over the past decade.
• Notable regions affected: Arctic, Antarctic, Alaska, and Russian permafrost zones.

Permafrost Thawing and Its Consequences

• Nikita Zimov's observations in Siberia: permafrost is warming by 3°C, causing ice to melt and rare fossils to resurface.
• Permafrost melt affects vegetation, termed "zombie plants" due to their long dormancy.
• Huge carbon reserves in permafrost could accelerate climate change if released.
• Main greenhouse gases released: carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4).

Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions

• Germany's coal reliance increased post-nuclear phase-out.
• Global emissions rising; 2020 saw a slight decline due to COVID-19.
• Without significant cuts, emissions could hit 55 billion tons by 2030.
• Target: maximum 25 gigatons of greenhouse gases by 2030; requires a 50% reduction.

Efforts and Challenges in Climate Policy

• Professor Niklas Hoene's work on environmental policies reveals frustration with government inaction.
• The Paris Climate Agreement of 2015 initiated climate neutrality goals.
• Required measures for emissions savings divided into three categories:
  • Category 1: Optimistic measures (high likelihood of success).
  • Category 2: Known measures needing implementation.
  • Category 3: Challenging measures rarely implemented.

Renewable Energy and Climate Neutrality

• Norway's abundant hydroelectric power supports clean energy goals.
• Direct energy links between Norway and Germany (e.g., NordLink) enhance energy efficiency.
• Germany’s aim: 50% renewables in energy grid, needing accelerated efforts.

Effects of Climate Change on Communities

• Villages in Indonesia like Pantai Bahagia suffer from rising sea levels, impacting education and livelihoods.
• Predictions for 2050 indicate severe climate conditions leading to increased migration and resource conflicts.

Permafrost in Europe and Its Threats

• The European Alps are decreasing in ice and snow cover.
• Landslides have devastated regions like Bondo, Switzerland, due to thawing permafrost.
• Increasing temperatures and melted ice lead to infrastructure damage and loss of ecosystems.

Global Inequality and Climate Migration

• Climate change disproportionately affects poorer regions, exacerbating inequality.
• Climate refugees will increase, with millions potentially displaced by climate impacts.

Climate Solutions and Innovations

• Efforts to restore ecosystems and combat climate change are happening globally.
• Ecosia's tree planting initiative aims to plant billions of trees by 2030.
• Research on synthetic alternatives to palm oil and sustainable practices in agriculture.

Final Remarks

• The situation is critical, with dire predictions for the future if emissions are not curtailed.
• Calls to action are crucial now to combat climate change and mitigate its effects.
• Ongoing research and innovative solutions are necessary to address the climate crisis.