American Alpine Club

Since 1902, the American Alpine Club (AAC) has been devoted to serving the climbing community and protecting the places people climb. The AAC’s executive team has included the likes of John Muir and David Brower. Honouring their legacy, the AAC co-founded the Alpine Conservation Partnership with The Mountain Institute.

The AAC has become a friend of the WWF Climate Witness Programme to increase awareness about the impact of climate change on alpine ecosystems. Climate Witness welcomes stories and information from members of the AAC who are witnessing climate change related impacts in the areas they climb. Enter your story to become an AAC-affiliated Climate Witness.

Importance of alpine ecosystems

Alpine ecosystems are among Earth’s most precious but endangered landscapes.  Their glaciers literally serve as water towers to the world (approximately 80% of the planet’s fresh water supply originates in the mountains ).  Their landscapes are home to the highest biodiversity per unit area of any ecosystem.  They provide habitat for rare and endangered wildlife (like the snow leopard and Argali sheep), and are crucial to the livelihoods of millions of people.  Despite their massive importance, alpine ecosystems worldwide are under siege as a result of unsustainable uses and climate change. 

Impacts of climate change

Glacier-rich landscapes are particularly susceptible to minor increases in temperature. In the last decade 24 new lakes have formed around Mt. Everest—a result of record glacial recession.  Their moraines are often unstable and millions live downstream under the emerging threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods.

The two images below show the dramatic decline of the Imja Glacier in Nepal. Click on 'next image' to compare Imja Glacier 1956 to the glacier and now lake in 2007.