Climate Change in Everest Region: A Growing Threat to Food Security and Women’s Health

The Everest region is experiencing a severe decline in traditional crop production due to climate change, raising concerns about food security and malnutrition, particularly among women and children.

Local farmers report that staple crops such as wheat, barley, and sorghum are no longer growing as they once did, with extreme weather patterns, rising temperatures, unseasonal rainfall, and prolonged dry spells impacting agriculture.

Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, a resident of the region, shared her concerns, stating, “We used to grow sorghum in abundance, but now our farmlands are turning barren. Water scarcity, declining soil fertility, and unpredictable weather have made farming difficult. Even when we manage to cultivate, the yields are poor, forcing many of us to abandon agriculture altogether.”

Women and Children at Risk of Malnutrition

The effects of climate change are directly impacting the health and nutrition of local communities. Women and children are especially vulnerable, with declining agricultural production leading to malnutrition and weakened immunity among pregnant women.

Ngmodo Sherpa, a local health worker, warned that inadequate nutrition could have lasting consequences on maternal and infant health. “Women here are facing additional hardships due to decreasing local food production and increased dependence on imported goods,” she said.

Rising Temperatures, Melting Snow, and Environmental Degradation

A UNESCO report released ahead of the COP conference in Azerbaijan highlighted the rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers due to rising temperatures. The Himalayan region is warming at a faster rate than other parts of the world, accelerating the loss of ice and disrupting seasonal cycles.

Tenzing Jangbu Sherpa of Chukum in Khumbu expressed concern over the drastic reduction in crop cultivation. “Many areas once cultivated with mountain grasses are now barren. Climate change is to blame, but it’s the locals who are paying the price,” he lamented.

Another environmental threat comes from the increasing waste left behind by Everest climbers. Experts warn that plastic, food packaging, and other non-biodegradable waste at base camps are intensifying glacier melting by increasing heat absorption.

Tourism entrepreneur Pasang Sherpa noted that despite regulations, climbers continue to leave behind trash, further disturbing the fragile ecosystem. Local resident Toyakumar Shrestha added, “The mountains that once gleamed like silver are now turning black. Industrial pollution and global warming are worsening the situation.”

Urgent Action Needed to Address Climate Challenges

Climate change has fundamentally altered daily life in the Himalayan region. With irregular snowfall and prolonged droughts, farmland is drying up, affecting food supply and nutrition. Environmentalist Dr. Rajan Thapa stressed that global industrial activities and warming temperatures have a direct impact on Nepal’s Himalayas, with water sources drying up and seasonal patterns becoming erratic.

Women, in particular, are bearing the brunt of the crisis, as food shortages further weaken their economic and social standing. Climate campaigner Prajita Karki emphasized the need for targeted interventions, stating, “Special health programs should be implemented for women in the Himalayas, along with long-term plans to mitigate environmental imbalances.”

Local authorities and international organizations are being urged to develop comprehensive strategies to combat climate change. Experts recommend preserving indigenous crops, promoting climate-friendly farming, and adopting alternative irrigation techniques.

Agriculture expert Chandraman Shrestha suggested that abandoning fields due to failed harvests is not a solution. “If native crops are struggling, alternative, climate-resistant varieties should be introduced,” he advised.

To adapt to climate change, local farmers have started implementing tunnel farming, using organic fertilizers, and integrating traditional agricultural techniques. However, these efforts alone may not be enough. Experts stress that additional government and non-governmental support is necessary to sustain long-term solutions.

As food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate-induced challenges deepen, experts call for collaborative action from local and global stakeholders to protect the livelihoods and health of Himalayan communities.