Glaciers in the Andes

According to UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization), the glaciers in the Andes Mountains are also being affected by climate change. This mountain range runs along the western side of South America and consists of the world's largest volcanoes. The majority of the glaciers in this mountain range occupy the southern portion near Chile.

Major Landforms of South America (from WorldAtlas.com)

These glaciers provide water to the region as well as maintains the mountains ecosystem. The runoff is used for power generation, agriculture and many other uses. As the glaciers retreat, the water supply significantly increases which impacts the Andes region. The melting water floods meadows creating glacier lakes, which can overflow and flood surrounding villages.

In 1991, a lake was formed in Qori Kalis, Peru, and in 2006 it flooded the valley as a result of an ice avalanche. By 2007, this lake covered 84 acres (34 hectares) and was 200 feet (61 meters) deep.

Qori Kalis Glacier. (A) Retreat, 1963-205. (B) Records of 7 Andean glaciers. (C) Photoed retreat, 1978-2005 (from pnas.org)

Currently, the Andean Member States are working with two branches of UNESCO (Man & the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, and the International Hydrological Programme (IHP)) in order to bring together decision makers and researchers to address the issues. Their main goals are to "identify research and policy needs, specifically:

• integrate the knowledge on the impact of Climate Change on future availability of melt water from glaciers and its effects on biodiversity and land use, and
• formulate strategies for underpinning future policy actions with regard to sustainable economic development." 

A workshop was hosted in Lima, Peru on May 29th-30th 2012, to address the issues. However the outcome of this workshop was not presented in the article. 

So what does this mean for tourism? Well, for one, the changing landscape ruins the aesthetic appeal of the region. However, the major issue for tourism is the flooding. Floods damage agriculture, infrastructure and landscape. How are the locals expected to take care of tourists, if they cannot take care of themselves? 

Sources 

UNESCO: Impacts of Glacier Retreat in the Andes: International Multidisciplinary Network for Adaptation Strategies

National Geographic: Mountain Glaciers Melting Faster Than Ever, Expert Says