CNN —Peru has lost 56% of its tropical glaciers in the last six decades due to climate change, according to a new government inventory released on Wednesday.
Peru holds 68% of the world’s tropical glaciers and warming temperatures have led to melting and the creation of new mountain lagoons that risk overflowing and flooding, the National Institute of Research of Mountain Glaciers and Ecosystems said.
“In four years, from 2016 to 2020 we have lost almost 6% of these high mountain glaciers,” Beatriz Fuentealba, the institute’s director, said from the Ancash region where many glaciers have disappeared.
Almost 20 million Peruvians benefit directly or indirectly from the water that comes down from the glaciers, according to the report.
“This means that we have lost more than half of our water reserves,” said Environment Minister Albina Ruiz, noting that glacial retreat is impacting the natural mountain ecosystem.
Persons:
“, Beatriz Fuentealba, Shepherdess Narcisa Cornelio, Nancy Condor, Mariana Bazo, ”, Jesus Gomez, Albina Ruiz
Organizations:
CNN, National Institute of Research, Ecosystems, Ministry of
Locations:
Peru, Ancash