The 2024 Himalayan mountaineering season has begun, and along with it comes an initiative to remove tons of trash from Mount Everest. Since 2019, the Mountain Cleanup Campaign has collected 110 tons of waste, and this year, the Nepali army, in partnership with Unilever, will lead the effort once again. Twelve military personnel and 18 Sherpas will start the cleanup on April 14 at Everest Base Camp. Their goal is to remove 10 tons of garbage and bring down the remains of five climbers who perished on the mountain.
Mount Everest has faced numerous challenges due to overcrowding and littering for years. In 2023, twelve climbers died on Everest, with an additional five still missing. The Nepali government issued a record 478 hiking permits last year, contributing to the congestion and trash problem on the mountain. One major environmental concern has been human waste, prompting the government to require climbers to use poop bags and bring their waste down with them from the higher camps.
In addition to these efforts, new measures have been introduced for the 2024 climbing season to address both environmental and safety concerns associated with climbing Everest. These measures include tracking chips for all climbers that will enhance search and rescue efforts on the mountain. With these new initiatives in place, it’s hoped that Everest can overcome some of its challenges and become a safer place for mountaineers once again.
