Peru, known for being home to more than 70 per cent of the world’s tropical glaciers, has been facing a crisis of glacier loss between the years 2000 and 2016. Approximately 29 per cent of its glacial area has disappeared during this period, with projections indicating that the glaciers could vanish entirely by 2056, as reported by the Journal of Water and Climate.
Jenny, a resident of Cocha Hongo, a small agricultural community in the Llanganuco basin, has a deep personal connection to this crisis. Raised by her campesina grandmother, she was taught to respect the land and water. She has witnessed firsthand the impact of climate change on the communities that rely on agriculture and livestock for their livelihood.
“The changing climate has significantly affected farmers, especially those who rely on agriculture and livestock,” Jenny explains. “Even in the 1980s, farmers were already experiencing the damaging effects of too much rain on their crops, particularly potatoes, and the increase in pests.”
As the glaciers in the Andes continue to retreat, the region’s agricultural calendar has been disrupted by erratic rainfall patterns and rising temperatures. Unfortunately, the government’s response to this crisis has been insufficient, leaving families to fend for themselves and make sacrifices when crops fail. The most vulnerable communities, particularly women and children, bear the brunt of these challenges.
The relationship between the Andes and the Amazon is crucial, as the glaciers, wetlands, and rivers in the Andes play a vital role in sustaining both local valleys and distant regions. The meltwater from the Andean glaciers feeds into the Amazon Basin, contributing to the water supply of the rainforest. However, with the glaciers disappearing, this delicate cycle is at risk of breaking down.
The vulnerability of tropical glaciers, especially those near the equator like the Andean glaciers, has been exacerbated by global warming. Recent studies have shown that Andean glaciers are at their lowest levels in over 11,700 years. Additionally, the melting ice has exposed rocks containing sulfides, leading to acid rock drainage that contaminates water sources.
In cities like Huaraz, acid drainage has already forced the abandonment of water sources due to contamination. Mining operations, both active and abandoned, have contributed significantly to water pollution in the region. The RĂo Santa, once a clean water source, is now heavily polluted, with arsenic levels exceeding safe limits.
Despite these challenges, Andean communities are not passively accepting their fate. Many farmers are reclaiming ancestral practices to adapt to the changing climate, such as reintroducing native plants and repairing irrigation systems. Collaborations between traditional community groups, NGOs, researchers, and local governments are also working towards restoring grasslands, forests, and building water storage facilities.
Jenny emphasizes that these efforts are not just about adaptation but also about preserving their land and culture. She believes that the key to addressing this crisis lies in supporting and amplifying the voices of the people most affected by climate change.
As an environmental writer, artist, and activist, Yasmin Dahnoun sheds light on the urgent need for action to address the environmental challenges facing Peru. Through her work, she aims to raise awareness and inspire change in how we interact with the natural world.
This article highlights the importance of listening to the voices of those on the frontlines of climate change and supporting their efforts to protect their communities and the environment. It serves as a reminder that we must all take responsibility for the future of our planet and work together to create a sustainable and equitable world.
