Mountains are early indicators of climate change
Almost one billion people live in mountain areas, and over half the human population depends on mountains for water, food and clean energy. Yet mountains are under threat from climate change, land degradation, over exploitation and natural disasters, with potentially far-reaching and devastating consequences, both for mountain communities and the rest of the world.
Facts & Figures
- Mountains cover around 22 percent of the earth’s land surface and are home to 13 percent of the world’s population.
- They provide sustenance and well-being for 915 million people, but also indirectly benefit billions more living downstream.
- Ninety percent of the world’s mountain dwellers live in developing countries, where a vast majority live below the poverty line and 1 out of 3 faces the threat of food insecurity.
- Mountains provide 60-80 percent of the world’s freshwater – without which sustainable development that aims to eliminate poverty and hunger would not be possible.
- Mountains have a key role to play in providing renewable energy, especially through hydropower, solar power, wind power and biogas.
More about International Mountain Day