Hundreds of Trekkers Trapped on Blizzard-Struck Mount Everest

Published OCT 6

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Above: Climbers between the South Summit and the Hillary Step of Mount Everest on May 21, 2024. Image copyright: Narendra Shahi Thakuri/picture alliance/Getty Images

The Spin

Climate-concerned narrative

Climate change is turning Everest into a death trap with melting glaciers creating unstable routes and unpredictable weather patterns. Rising temperatures are causing massive ice loss, rendering the Khumbu Icefall increasingly unreliable while also increasing rockfall and avalanche risks throughout the region.

ABC News Footprint Adventure

Climate-skeptic narrative

Not every development can be linked to climate change, which hasn't conclusively been proved to be the result of human activity. While some warming exists, the natural carbon cycles affecting the earth are far greater than any impact of human activity. Attempting to imply that recent weather challenges on Everest are the causal result of sustained climate change is an unconvincing argumentative stretch.

The Spectator Australia

Narrative C

While Everest may well be suffering the effects of climate change, it cannot be ignored that issues of overcrowding and poor management have turned the sacred mountain into a polluted tourist destination. With hundreds of climbers creating traffic jams and leaving tons of trash, the mountain needs permit limits and higher fees to control reckless commercialization, and to prevent the rapid deterioration of Everest's natural infrastructure.

Geographical Guardian