Efforts to Clean Mount Everest: Nepal's Mission to Clear Waste and Debris from the Highest Peak
Nepal's ongoing Mountain Cleanup Campaign has successfully cleared 110 tons of waste from Mount Everest over the period of 2019 to 2023. Learn more about the initiative to preserve the world's tallest mountain.
The 2024 Himalayan mountaineering season is starting, and there is a new project taking place at high altitudes: cleaning up Mount Everest.
The Nepali army reported that the Mountain Cleanup Campaign has managed to remove a total of 110 tons of trash from the mountain since the program began in 2019 up until 2023.
The army, in collaboration with multinational brand Unilever, will lead the cleanup effort once more this year.
Twelve military personnel, accompanied by 18 Sherpas, are scheduled to reach Everest Base Camp on April 14th to kick off the project.
The army shared that besides clearing approximately 10 tons of trash, they also intend to recover the remains of five climbers who lost their lives on the mountain while trying to reach the peak.
It was reported that in 2023, a total of 12 climbers lost their lives on Everest, and five others are still missing and have not been officially found.
From left, Shayna Unger and Scott Lehmann pose for pictures.
From left, Shayna Unger and Scott Lehmann pose for pictures.
Courtesy Shayna Unger and Scott Lehmann
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Currently, the majority of those who try to climb the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) Himalayan peak do so via Nepal.
Last year, a record-high of 478 Everest hiking permits were issued by the Nepali government. However, this number does not include Sherpa guides, support staff, and other members of climbing groups who will also be on the mountain.
As a result, overcrowding and the accumulation of trash have become major issues on Everest in recent years.
Human waste has been a major environmental concern. Starting from the 2024 climbing season, all climbers will need to use poop bags provided by the government and carry their waste back down from the higher mountain camps.
"Last month, Diwas Pokhrel, first vice president of Everest Summiteers Association, shared with CNN that each person generates 250 grams (8.8 ounces) of excrement daily during their two-week stay in the higher camps for the summit push."
"Furthermore, in 2024, all Everest climbers will receive tracking chips for the first time, which will be helpful in search and rescue operations."
Editor’s Note: CNN’s Esha Mitra and Amy Woodyatt contributed reporting.
Editor's P/S:
The 2024 Himalayan mountaineering season marks a significant milestone in the preservation of Mount Everest. The ongoing Mountain Cleanup Campaign, a joint effort between the Nepali army and Unilever, has already removed an astonishing 110 tons of trash from the mountain. This year's campaign aims to remove an additional 10 tons, including the recovery of remains of climbers who tragically lost their lives in pursuit of the summit. The initiative highlights the growing concern over overcrowding and waste accumulation on Everest, prompting stricter regulations like the mandatory use of poop bags and tracking chips for climbers.
The article emphasizes the environmental impact of human waste on Everest, with each climber generating approximately 8.8 ounces of excrement daily during their summit push. The implementation of poop bags and the requirement to carry waste down from higher camps will significantly reduce the environmental footprint of climbers. Additionally, the introduction of tracking chips will enhance search and rescue operations, ensuring the safety of those attempting to conquer the world's highest peak. These measures demonstrate the growing commitment to preserving Everest while ensuring the safety and well-being of climbers.
