Standing in the shadow of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, Qatari Princess and mountaineer Ashma Al Thani has raised serious concerns about the rapid environmental changes unfolding in the Himalayas.
Speaking at the recent Summiteers Summit in Thame, a remote village in Nepal’s Solukhumbu district severely affected by climate change, Princess Al Thani remarked, “The loss of snow on mountains like Everest is not just a threat to Nepal—it’s a global concern.”
The princess, who first visited Nepal in 2019 and summited Everest the same year, said her latest journey revealed stark differences. “Back then, the mountains looked bright, majestic, and full of life. Now, they seem lifeless. The snow is vanishing, exposing black rock. The climate has changed dramatically. These changes are alarming.”
Thame: A Village on the Frontlines of Climate Crisis
Thame, the summit’s host village, has directly suffered from climate change. Last year, a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) caused by a bursting glacier devastated the area—displacing families, destroying electrical infrastructure, severing road access, and disrupting children’s education.
Calling such disasters a consequence of global climate change, Princess Al Thani said, “Nepal cannot face this crisis alone. The global community must unite to protect these mountain settlements.”
She urged for the installation of early warning systems to prevent disasters like floods, landslides, and avalanches. “The Himalayas are highly sensitive zones. With the right technology and timely alerts, lives can be saved,” she added.
Everest: A Shared Global Responsibility
Princess Al Thani emphasized that Mount Everest is not just Nepal’s treasure, but a shared heritage of humanity. “Climbing Everest is not only a matter of pride—it’s a responsibility. We must now prioritize the mountain’s preservation in all development efforts. If not, Everest will one day exist only in photographs.”
Her call to action was echoed by other environmentalists, climbers, and local representatives attending the summit. The event became more than just a gathering of mountaineers—it was a platform for raising awareness about the Himalayan climate crisis and brainstorming collaborative solutions.
Data presented at the conference revealed a continuous rise in average temperatures in the Everest region over the past decades, leading to accelerated glacier melt.
Princess Al Thani's emotional testimony left a deep impression. “The mountains are our crown, our soul. If the snow disappears, so does the earth’s future. Saving Everest is our shared responsibility.”
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also extended a message of congratulations during the summit, expressing hope that the event would contribute meaningfully to the upcoming Sagarmatha Sambad, a high-level dialogue on climate issues. -- RSS
