PERU IN PERIL –GLACIAL RETREAT IN THE ANDES

The Cordillera Huayhuash is home to the world’s highest collection of tropical glaciers, a term which refers to glaciers found at latitudes between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.

The speed at which glaciers in the Peruvian Andes are retreating is alarming. Studies at Erlangen-Nuremberg University in Germany have shown that the ice suffered a reduction of almost 30 per cent between 2000 and 2016, and predict they will disappear within the next 40 years.

Melting ice feeds the area’s rivers and lakes. Unfortunately, lost glacier volumes are not being regenerated during the wet season. The knock-on effect will likely deliver both water shortages and devastating floods, threatening the livelihoods of two million people living in the valleys below.

One organisation working to improve the situation is CARE. They work with local communities to help them adapt to climate change, reduce the risks from melting glaciers, and find ways to improve water management in Peru. Find out more and get involved at care.org

Cold morning starts and high altitudes mean layering up with a good quality down jacket. Rab’s Microlight Alpine packs serious warmth into a lightweight package thanks to 700 fill down and a Pertex Quantum outer fabric.

Look for boots that offer good stability and ankle support in steep and rocky terrain. Salomon’s women’s Quest 4 GORE-TEX boots are designed for tough conditions, they offer a smooth ride and excellent durability.

Higher altitude equals more UV exposure so sunglasses, sun screen, and sun hats are a must. Julbo’s Explorer 2.0 sunglasses offer cat 4 protection, an anti-reflective coating and large, removable side shields.

Walking poles protect the knees on rocky terrain, provide improved balance, and increase speed. Leki’s Cressida FX Carbon poles fold down to 40cm for packability and offer best-in-class performance.

A day pack should be comfortable and versatile, and should have features like hydration bladder storage, and a variety of hip belt pockets. The women’s Osprey Tempest 24 ticks all the right boxes.

A key item for expeditions, duffel bags fit loads of gear and are built tough to stand up to travel. With 95 litres of storage in the large size, The North Face Base Camp Duffel is a rugged and reliable expedition hauler.