Mount Everest’s 2024 Cleanup Campaign: Removing Trash and Respecting the Himalayas
As the anticipation builds for the 2024 Mount Everest mountaineering season, an essential endeavor is underway – the removal of several tons of waste from the world’s highest peak. The Nepali Army, in partnership with multinational brand Unilever, has been leading this initiative since 2019 and will continue to do so this year.
The Mountain Cleanup Campaign collected an impressive 110 tons of waste between its inception in 2019 and the year 2023. Twelve military personnel, accompanied by eighteen Sherpas, are scheduled to arrive at Everest Base Camp on April 14 to commence the work for this year. Their mission includes not only the removal of approximately 10 tons of trash but also the retrieval of five deceased climbers from the mountain. These individuals were among those who tragically lost their lives while attempting to conquer Everest’s 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) summit.
The Nepali government issued a record-breaking 478 permits for Everest hiking in the previous year, but this does not represent the total number of individuals on the mountain. Alongside climbers, Sherpa guides, support staffers, and other team members are present during climbing expeditions. Consequently, overcrowding and trash have become pressing issues for Everest in recent years.
Among the environmental concerns, human waste has emerged as a significant problem. In a first for the 2024 climbing season, all climbers will be required to use government-distributed poop bags and carry their waste back down from the higher camps. According to Diwas Pokhrel, first vice president of Everest Summiteers Association, each person generates 250 grams (8.8 ounces) of excrement daily. With climbers expected to spend roughly two weeks in the higher camps for their summit push, it is essential that they adhere to these regulations.
Another crucial innovation for the 2024 season is the issuance of tracking chips to all Everest climbers. This feature will aid in search and rescue missions, ensuring a safer climbing experience for participants.
In conclusion, as the world’s mountaineering community gears up for another season on Mount Everest, it is crucial to remember that respect for the Himalayas goes beyond reaching their summits. Initiatives such as the Nepali Army’s Mountain Cleanup Campaign play a significant role in preserving the environment and ensuring the safety of climbers while upholding the cultural and spiritual significance of these majestic mountains.
