“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity”
― John Muir, Our National Parks
High elevations on mountains produce colder climates than at sea level. These colder climates strongly affect the ecosystems of mountains: different elevations have different plants and animals. Because of the less hospitable terrain and climate, mountains tend to be used less for agriculture and more for resource extraction and recreation, such as mountain climbing.
The highest mountain on Earth is Mount Everest in the Himalayas of Asia, whose summit is 8,850 m (29,035 ft) above mean sea level. The highest known mountain on any planet in the Solar System is Olympus Mons on Mars at 21,171 m (69,459 ft).
High elevations on mountains produce colder climates than at sea level. These colder climates strongly affect the ecosystems of mountains: different elevations have different plants and animals. Because of the less hospitable terrain and climate, mountains tend to be used less for agriculture and more for resource extraction and recreation, such as mountain climbing.
Mountains aren’t just a sight to behold—they cover 22 percent of the planet’s land surface and provide habitat for plants, animals and about 1 billion human beings. The vital landforms also supply critical resources such as fresh water, food and even renewable energy.
The mountains of the world provide essential ecosystem based services to global communities as well as inspiration and enjoyment to millions. Mountains are particularly important for their biodiversity, water, clean air, research, cultural diversity, leisure, landscape and spiritual values.
Conservation outREACH has aided in a multidisciplinary effort to restore the high mountain wetlands of the Cordillera Blanca, Peru. When healthy, these landscapes are highly valuable as buffers against flooding and extended dry periods, serving as natural filters for fresh drinking water, and havens for a rich and specialized array of plants and animals. Many wetlands are being degraded due to changes in climate and pressures from mining and livestock grazing. The supported project which works closely with Huascarán National Park authorities, local land-use communities, and The Mountain Institute to promote science-based decision making to secure healthy mountain wetlands and protect the livelihoods of those communities that rely upon them.