Mountains and Climate Change: A Global Concern

Sustainable Mountain Development Series

Some of the clearest and most visible signs of climate change, such as glacier retreat, are found in mountain areas. But the implications of climate change in mountains extend far beyond mountain regions. Climate change in mountains is a global concern. 

This publication, prepared on the occasion of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 20) in Lima 2014, underscores the commitment of SDC and UNEP to sustainable mountain development. It aims to provide a synthesis of current knowledge on mountains and climate change, while emphasizing mountains’ relevance to global sustainable development and raising awareness of possible changes and challenges for mountain regions resulting from climate change.

"A synthesis of current knowledge on mountains and climate change by region, the 140-page publication highlights policy messages and lessons learned in mountain areas where adaptation measures have been taken. Water, glaciers and permafrost, hazards, biodiversity, food security and economy are among the themes covered."