Indulge me whilst I go into full UN mode

Today is #InternationalMountainDay and whilst I'll be spamming you with pictures, I'm concerned, as always, about why we need this day of recognition...

This year's theme is mountain biodiversity

A thread.

#MountainsMatter

Mountains provide between 60 & 80% of all freshwater resources for our planet.

Most of the world’s fresh water comes from them, and cities including New York, Rio and Nairobi are entirely dependent on this water source...

#MountainsMatter

At least 600 glaciers have disappeared completely over the past decades, affecting water supplies relied on by billions living downstream. Many more are melting rapidly...

#MountainsMatter

I saw the effects first hand, whilst on Kilimanjaro.

My guides told me that around 85% of the glacial ice at the summit had melted between 1912 and 2011 & that the rest could be gone by 2030

A scary thought. Some of these glaciers are over 11,000 years old

#MountainsMatter

Climate change, unsustainable farming, commercial mining, logging, and poaching all put a heavy toll on mountain biodiversity.

Add to this, things like natural disasters and all accelerate this loss of biodiversity

#MountainsMatter

Not only plants, but the loss of livelihoods & migration from mountains can lead to diminishing cultural practices & traditions which have sustained biodiversity for generations

UNSDG 15, target four, is dedicated to the conservation of mountains’ biodiversity #MountainsMatter

Mountain destinations attract c15-20% of global tourism and are areas of important cultural diversity, knowledge and heritage.

Despite this, many mountain communities are still not benefiting and live in poverty.

#MountainsMatter

Drink coffee?

Thank the mountains

A vast amount of the world’s coffee is grown and produced on the slopes of mountains because they have the perfect climate.

#MountainsMatter

As someone who regularly heads to the mountains and holds a fondness and love for them, I believe that it’s our duty to spread these messages with the world, and try to create some awareness about the problems they're facing.

#MountainsMatter

The mountains are not just beautiful, they are food and water sources, means and ways of life for millions and the effects of a changing climate have a huge impact on the world we live in.

#MountainsMatter

I could go on forever with stats...

Fellow outdoor influencers - When using #InternationalMountainDay please also remember to share awareness of the damage being done (even by ourselves). It's not a day for just pretty pictures

Protect what you love #MountainsMatter

Full details and information on #InternationalMountainDay can be found on the @FAO website

#MountainsMatter