The Effects of Global Warming on Mountains

Mountain regions are characterized by sensitive ecosystems, enhanced occurrences of extreme weather events and natural catastrophes; they are also regions of conflicting interests between economic development and environmental conservation. Once regarded as hostile and economically nonviable regions, mountains have in the latter part of the twentieth century attracted major economic investments for tourism, hydropower, and communication routes. In the context of climate change, significant perturbations can be expected to natural systems and these will inevitably have an influence on the economy of mountainous regions. Global change will probably exacerbate the present conflictual situation between environmental and economic interests.