Mountain Regions Show Rising Temperatures Faster Than Global Average - ICIMOD Head

(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 17. Temperatures in mountain regions are increasing at a faster rate than the global average, said David Potter, Head of the Strategic Group at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Trend reports.

Speaking at the session "Addressing climate vulnerability: promoting comprehensive and equitable approach to climate action" at COP29 Parliamentary Meeting organized jointly by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and Azerbaijani Parliament, Potter noted the latest data.

"The Hindu Kush Himalayas are experiencing the impacts of climate change more rapidly and severely compared to other parts of the world. This phenomenon is linked to elevation-dependent warming, where temperatures rise faster at higher altitudes. In the Hindu Kush Himalayas, the temperature increase is occurring at twice the global average. This significantly affects the region, where glaciers, a crucial source of drinking water for over two billion people, are melting, leading to water shortages," he said.

Potter also noted that the frequency of floods and landslides is rising, causing extensive damage and impacting the entire region.

"It's not only about climate change. There are specific mountain-related factors that make people living in these areas marginalized and vulnerable. For instance, agricultural productivity is generally lower in mountain regions. Additionally, markets are often far away, making it difficult and time-consuming for people to transport and sell their products," Potter added.

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