Peak Leaders Eco-Policy

It is generally accepted that changes in weather and environment are due, at least in part, to global warming. Everest itself is now said to be 8,848 metres (29,035ft) high – a drop of 1.3 metres due to the melting of glaciers resulting from global warming. Nepalese Sherpas who often climb the peak have reported seeing widespread evidence of receding snowlines due to warmer temperatures – a possible result from greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere.

In relation to skiers and snowboarders in particular, it is of course permanent freezing which binds high mountains together and prevents potentially unstable mountainsides from collapsing into the valleys below.

This has implications for ski resorts, where lift stations and other structures high on the mountain effectively rely on frozen ground for stability. There is already an increasing problem with rock fall, landslides, slush fall and mudslides in the Alps.

The situation is compounded because artificial snow is made from river and lake water which contain more minerals and other chemicals than natural snow. It seems then that practicing our sport does have quite an impact...

To preserve the mountains and their cultures for its peoples, for us and for future generations, each of us can do something. In the mountains, something as simple as picking up litter, can make a difference – when the snow melts the litter does not. When skiing / riding , take care not to break off branches or damage young shoots; when indoors, put on a sweater instead of raising the thermostat; read about the places you’ll visit.

Personally, we can reduce our energy consumption. We can use solar rechargeable batteries for iPods and Mp3 players, ride a bike, take the train, car pool, and if we buy a car, buy an energy-efficient one.

Investing in tree planting is one effective method of taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere – often called carbon purchasing. If planned properly, there can be benefits to the local communities – the production of a wide range of timber and non timber products for domestic and commercial use. Woodlands also provide benefits such as avalanche defense, flood protection and soil conservation. Because carbon sequestration is not something that is visible to the buyer, Plan Vivo (an idea that originated in Edinburgh University) has made sure there are mechanisms providing assurance that the carbon purchased, really is sequestered.

Peak Leaders now buy carbon credits from Plan Vivo that not only offset some of the CO2 emissions we clock up flying globally as a company but also help communities invest in their own future. In this way we hope to be a responsible business and safeguard the environment so that future generations can enjoy the mountains we love.

Peak Leaders have also joined ‘The Friends of Banff National Park’. The Friends of Banff National Park is a non-profit charitable organization, committed to increasing awareness and appreciation of the natural and cultural heritage of Banff National Park. Through innovative programming in partnership with Parks Canada and the community, the Friends of Banff provide valuable educational opportunities that inspire environmental stewardship.

Throughout the coming year we will be investigating similar projects in all the countries we run our courses.