12 Dec 2017 Story Chemicals & waste

Greening the ascent

Mountain regions affect the whole world. Their vitality is essential for downstream food security, as freshwater from mountain regions feeds agriculture. They are also sources of drinking water, and sites of production for renewable energy such as hydropower, solar, wind, and biogas. Mountain litter is a problem because it reduces the intrinsic value of nature, degrades the environment and pollutes landscapes downstream.

Story: Greening the ascent 

UN Environment is trying to bring together influential groups, including from the private sector, to do something about the waste dumped on mountains. Last December, the organization launched the Mountain Waste Management Outlook for Mountain Regions Outlook, which presents the sources and solutions for waste in mountain areas, including litter caused by tourism.