The Perilous Pursuit of Everest: A Legacy of Garbage and Loss
The summit of Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, stands as a testament to human endurance and the unyielding allure of adventure. However, the pursuit of this lofty goal has left an unsightly scar upon the pristine slopes of the mountain: a staggering accumulation of garbage that threatens to mar its beauty for years to come.
A recent expedition, led by the intrepid Sherpa Ang Babu Sherpa, sought to address this growing environmental crisis. The team, funded by the Nepal government, embarked on a mission to remove tons of trash and retrieve the remains of climbers who had perished on the mountain's treacherous slopes.
During this year's climbing season, the team of Sherpas and soldiers successfully removed an astonishing 11 tons (24,000 pounds) of garbage from Everest, including four bodies and a skeleton. This staggering amount of debris consisted primarily of discarded tents, food packaging, gas cartridges, oxygen bottles, and climbing equipment, frozen in layers at the South Col, the last camp before climbers make their summit attempt.
A Legacy of Neglect: A Mountain Buried in Trash
The accumulation of garbage on Everest is a grim reminder of the mountain's popularity and the sheer volume of climbers who have attempted its ascent. Since its first successful summit in 1953, Everest has witnessed a steady stream of climbers, many of whom have left behind more than just their footprints.
In recent years, the Nepal government has implemented a pack it in, pack it out policy, requiring climbers to remove their garbage or forfeit their deposits. This regulation, coupled with increased environmental awareness among climbers, has significantly reduced the amount of litter left behind. However, the legacy of past expeditions continues to haunt the mountain.
The Challenge of Everest's Trash: A Perilous Clean-up
The clean-up effort is a daunting task, made all the more perilous by the extreme conditions at high altitudes. At the South Col, oxygen levels are a mere third of what they are at sea level, and winds can quickly transform into blinding blizzards, plummeting temperatures to dangerous lows.
Ang Babu Sherpa described the extreme challenges his team faced in the South Col area, where the weather was a constant threat. We had to wait for good weather when the sun would melt the ice cover, he said. But waiting a long time in that altitude and conditions is just not possible. It's difficult to stay for long with the oxygen level very low.
The team employed a meticulous approach, collecting garbage and retrieving bodies from the higher-altitude areas while soldiers focused on lower levels and the base camp area. Digging out the frozen garbage proved to be a laborious task, as the ice had to be broken into manageable blocks.
One particularly poignant discovery was the body of a climber frozen in a standing position deep in the ice near the South Col. It took two grueling days to extract the body, which was then transported to lower camps due to deteriorating weather conditions.
Tragic Discoveries: Unclaimed Lives on Everest
The discovery of bodies on Everest is a somber reminder of the inherent dangers of climbing this formidable peak. The extreme altitude, unpredictable weather, and treacherous terrain have claimed the lives of hundreds of climbers over the years.
The team encountered two bodies during their clean-up operation, one located at 8,400 meters (27,720 feet) and the other near the South Col. The bodies were transported to Kathmandu for identification, a solemn duty that brought closure to the families of the deceased climbers.
Waste Management: From Everest to Kathmandu
The 11 tons of garbage removed from Everest were carefully sorted and disposed of. Three tons of decomposable items were transported to villages near the base of the mountain, while the remaining eight tons were carried by porters and yaks to Kathmandu, where it was sorted for recycling at a facility operated by Agni Ventures, an agency that specializes in waste management.
The oldest waste we received was from 1957, said Sushil Khadga of Agni Ventures, referring to a collection of rechargeable batteries for torch lights.
Why Do Climbers Leave Garbage Behind?
The question of why climbers leave garbage behind on Everest is a complex one. At extreme altitudes, survival becomes the primary focus, and climbers may prioritize their own safety over environmental concerns.
At that high altitude, life is very difficult and oxygen is very low, explained Khadga. So climbers and their helpers are more focused on saving themselves.
A Call for Environmental Responsibility
The growing problem of garbage on Everest highlights the need for climbers to take greater responsibility for their impact on the environment. Respect for the mountain and its fragile ecosystem should be paramount, and climbers should make every effort to minimize their waste and dispose of it properly.
The clean-up efforts undertaken by Ang Babu Sherpa and his team are a testament to the importance of preserving the pristine beauty of Mount Everest. Their work has not only removed tons of garbage but also served as a poignant reminder of the human toll that this majestic mountain has taken.
As the popularity of Everest continues to grow, it is imperative that climbers embrace a culture of environmental stewardship, leaving behind only footprints and memories, and preserving the pristine wonder of this iconic peak for generations to come.
