Mount Everest, standing over 8000 meters, is not only the tallest mountain in the world but also one of the most ecologically sensitive areas. It is home to unique and fragile flora and fauna that have adapted to extreme altitudes and harsh weather conditions. However, in recent years, the mountain has faced an alarming impact due to the increasing number of tourists and mountaineers visiting the area.
The impact of human activity on the fragile ecosystem of Mount Everest is extensive. The increasing number of tourists and climbers has led to an alarming impact on the fragile ecosystem of the mountain.
Scientists from the University of Colorado have conducted a study that has revealed alarming signs of Mount Everest turning into a “bacterial house”. The study focused on the South Col region, which is a rocky valley between Mount Everest and its sibling mountain Lhotse, known for its windy and less snowy conditions.
The study found that the hundreds of climbers who set up their last camp in the South Col area before summiting the world’s highest peak are leaving behind significant amounts of bacteria. These microbes can survive in the area for up to a century and continue to thrive in the boulder and earth despite the harsh environmental conditions.
Researchers were surprised to discover that the microbes, which typically thrive in warm and moist environments such as our nostrils and mouths, could survive in such extreme conditions. The resilient bacteria could potentially have detrimental effects on the delicate ecosystem of the mountain and pose a risk to the health of those who climb it.
The findings of this study are concerning and highlight the need for greater awareness and regulations regarding human impact on the environment of Mount Everest. It is important for climbers and tourists to take measures to minimize their impact on the mountain’s delicate ecosystem to ensure its preservation for future generations.
