Renowned Sherpa guide Kami Rita breaks his own Mount Everest summiting record
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Kami Rita Sets New Everest Record With 31st Summit
Above: Legendary Mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa waves at people as he arrives after scaling Mt Everest for the 30th time, leading the world record for most ascents on the world's highest peak Mount Everest at Tribhuvan International Airport. Image copyright: Prabin Ranabhat/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This record represents the incredible skill and dedication of Nepal's Sherpa community, whose expertise makes Everest climbing possible for hundreds of international adventurers each year. Kami Rita's achievement also showcases the country's natural treasures to the world. The climbing industry provides crucial income for Sherpa families in one of the world's poorest countries.
Narrative B
While this is a noble achievement, Everest mania has caused real harm to one of the most unique ecological regions on Earth. Mount Everest continues to see record numbers of climbers each year who leave behind mountains of garbage, human waste, and even corpses. The situation will only get worse as adventurers race to break these records. The environmental degradation of Everest needs to be addressed.