From Everest to Europe: Famed Mountaineers Launch Critical Expedition to Combat Climate Change in the Himalayas

Kathmandu, Nepal – Legendary mountaineer Apa Sherpa and fellow Everest summiteer Dawa Steven Sherpa have embarked on what might be their most critical mission yet: a trek through 10 European cities to raise awareness about the severe impacts of climate change in the Himalayas.

The duo began their journey on November 20th, starting from Prague and moving on to Brno, with their next stop in Bratislava. From there, they will continue their expedition through London, Rome, Geneva, Chamonix, Vienna, Brussels, and finally arrive in Copenhagen in time for the significant climate change negotiations scheduled for December.

This journey builds upon Apa Sherpa's 19th record-setting ascent of Mount Everest earlier this year, where he carried a "Climate Change" banner to the summit. Now, they bring their message to Europe—one of the world's highest per capita greenhouse gas-emitting regions.

Climbing a Different Everest in Europe

"The European Expedition will be like climbing Everest,” explained Dawa Steven Sherpa. “Starting from our base camp in Kathmandu, we are setting up subsequent 'camps' across Europe, all working toward our ultimate goal—the summit in Copenhagen."

During their trek through Europe, Apa and Dawa will meet with high-profile politicians, celebrities, and everyday citizens in the streets of these cities to deliver a critical message from the Himalayas. In the Himalayan region, small communities live on the frontlines of climate change, facing immediate and tangible threats to their lives and livelihoods.

The European public's response to their message could play a pivotal role in determining the future for Apa's community and the hundreds of millions who depend on the Himalayan watershed for their water and survival.

The Mission: A Part of WWF Nepal's Climate for Life Campaign

The European Expedition is part of the "Climate for Life" Campaign initiated by WWF Nepal, aimed at elevating the profile of the Himalayas in the global climate conversation. This initiative is a collaboration with the government of Nepal, its development partners, and numerous non-profit and private organizations.

"During climate change debates, the Himalayas—the third pole—have not received the attention they deserve from the international community," said Anil Manandhar, WWF Nepal Country Representative. “Apa and Dawa’s European Expedition will be crucial in raising awareness about the impacts of climate change in the Himalayas and bringing these issues to the UN Climate Talks in Copenhagen."

The Urgent Call to Action

Some scientists predict that if current trends continue, the glaciers in the Himalayas could disappear within 25 years. This alarming prospect threatens not only the lives of the people in the region and its rich biodiversity but also the development aspirations of hundreds of millions downstream.

At the summit of Mount Everest, Apa Sherpa also placed a sacred "Bumpa" (vase) blessed by the Venerable Rinpoche of Tengboche, containing 400 sacred ingredients to restore the sanctity of the Himalayan valleys against the negative impacts of rapid environmental changes.

Congratulating WWF and Apa Sherpa, Nepal's Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Mr. Ganesh Sah, emphasized, "The well-being of the Himalayas is crucial for Nepal’s economic development. It’s only by coming together that we can emphatically deliver this message to the world."

Apa Sherpa and Dawa Steven Sherpa at the Everest Base Camp.

Apa Sherpa's Firsthand Experience with Climate Change

Apa Sherpa has witnessed the dangerous impacts of climate change firsthand during his decades-long career as a mountaineer. He has observed the changing landscapes of the Himalayas and has even been a personal victim of its devastating consequences.

During the Eco Everest Expedition, Apa carried the WWF banner, led by Dawa Steven Sherpa, a two-time Everest summiteer and passionate climate advocate who also serves as a WWF Climate Witness.

“WWF salutes the efforts of Apa and Dawa for taking the climate change message to the top of the world and for being ambassadors for WWF's Climate for Life campaign," said Mr. Anil Manandhar, WWF Nepal Country Representative. "Now is the time for the world to redirect its attention to the Himalayas."

Conclusion: A Call for Global Action

Apa and Dawa’s journey through Europe represents more than just a trek; it is a call to action for the global community. Their efforts underscore the urgent need to recognize and address the impacts of climate change on the Himalayas. With the world’s focus on the UN Climate Talks in Copenhagen, their message is clear: the time to act is now, for the future of the Himalayas and for generations to come.