Mount Kilimanjaro’s Ice is Melting!
Tuesday, January 8th, 2008Global warming is definitely having an effect on Mount Kilimanjaro. Africa’s highest mountain, and one of it’s most famous natural landmarks, is losing it’s ice. In fact, at the current rate, it will have no ice left by 2020.
82% of Kilimanjaro’s ice has already melted since 1912. The most alarming thing is that a third of this has melted in the last 12 years. Over the next 10-15 years, we’re going to see this snow capped mountain turn a different color!
Scientists suspect that less snow on Kilimanjaro during the rainy season decreases the surface reflectiveness, leading to higher heat absorption. This in turn, results in more melted ice.
Trekkers often comment about witnessing large chunks of ice falling off as they make their way up or down the mountain.
