2023-08-06 20:38:42
The Andes mountain range is endangered by climate change.
The exceptional winter heat in the Andes mountain range, the main one in South America. Temperatures of up to 37°C were recently recorded, warning local scientists that the worst could be yet to come due to man-made climate disturbance and El Niño.
This situation is wreaking havoc throughout the region, especially in the Andes of central Chile, where the heat wave is melting snow below 3,000 meters (9,840 ft). This phenomenon will have knock-on effects for people living in the downstream valleys, as they depend on meltwater during spring and summer.
High winter temperatures in northern Chile have reached record levels in 72 years, as pointed out by the climatologist of the University of Groningen, Raúl Cordero. At the Vicuña Los Pimientos station, located in the Coquimbo region, 37 °C was recorded, a situation caused by a combination of factors, including the increase in global temperatures, the El Niño phenomenon and the gusts of levante, known locally like “terrestrial winds” that bring with them a hot and dry climate.
according to the blog Extreme Temperatures Around The Worlddozens of meteorological stations located at more than 1,000 meters of altitude recorded temperatures above 35°C in the middle of winter. This climatic abnormality represents a great concern, since high temperatures exacerbate droughts in eastern Argentina and Uruguay, in addition to accelerating melting in the region.
The entire region also affected by global warming
Water scarcity has become a serious problem in the capital of Uruguay, Montevideo, and its surroundings, where the reservoirs are drying up and the tap water is no longer drinkable. South America has experienced one of the warmest January to July periods on record, affecting countries like Chile, which has faced wildfires earlier in the year and is now battling prolonged droughts.
Santiago, the capital of Chile, has experienced a series of heat waves since January, and is projected to exceed record 10 heat waves set in 2020. This situation poses a serious concern for public health, agriculture and biodiversity in the region. The lack of precipitation and the premature melting of snow are seriously affecting the availability of fresh water in the Andean region.
To combat this situation, it is essential to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Local and national governments must take urgent measures to implement policies and actions that promote sustainability and environmental protection. It is vital to encourage the responsible use of natural resources and promote clean and renewable energy.
If effective measures are not taken, the impacts of climate change in the Andes could be devastating. The retreat of glaciers and the rise in sea level could seriously affect biodiversity and the lives of local communities that depend on Andean ecosystems for their subsistence.
It is important to highlight that climate change not only affects the Andean region, but is a global challenge that requires joint action at the international level. Countries must collaborate and commit to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices in all sectors.
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