The 2024 Himalayan mountaineering season has kicked off with a new initiative aimed at removing tons of trash from Mount Everest. In collaboration with Unilever, the Nepali army has been leading the Mountain Cleanup Campaign since 2019 and has collected an impressive 110 tons of waste by 2023. This year, twelve army members and eighteen Sherpas will commence their clean-up efforts at Everest Base Camp on April 14, with the goal of clearing an estimated ten tons of garbage and retrieving five deceased climbers’ bodies from the mountain.
Nepal remains the most popular route for climbers attempting to summit Everest, but overcrowding and waste management have become significant concerns in recent years. In 2023, twelve climbers tragically lost their lives on the mountain, with five more reported missing. To address these environmental issues, all climbers in the 2024 season will be required to use government-issued poop bags and bring their waste back down from the higher camps.
In addition to stricter regulations, climbers will also receive tracking chips for the first time in the 2024 season. These chips can assist search and rescue operations in locating missing climbers quickly and efficiently. With increased awareness and stricter regulations in place, efforts are being made to preserve the natural beauty of Mount Everest and ensure a safer climbing environment for everyone involved.
The Nepali army’s Mountain Cleanup Campaign is just one example of how efforts are being made to address environmental issues on Mount Everest. With overcrowding becoming a major concern, it is essential that steps are taken to manage waste effectively and ensure that climbers are equipped with the necessary tools to do so safely.
Furthermore, it is crucial that governments take action to regulate climbing activities on Mount Everest to prevent further tragedies from occurring. By implementing strict regulations and providing climbers with necessary equipment such as poop bags and tracking chips, they can help create a safer environment for everyone involved.
In conclusion, it is clear that addressing environmental issues on Mount Everest is crucial if we want to preserve its natural beauty while ensuring a safer climbing environment for all involved. The Nepali army’s Mountain Cleanup Campaign is just one example of how efforts are being made towards this goal. However, much more needs to be done to address overcrowding and waste management effectively on this majestic mountain.
