Climbing, Covid and Climate Change
Exploring nearby mountains in Italy: South Ridge of Ciarforon, Gran Paradiso Range. Photo: Ben Tibbetts.
I have two concerns. Since I escaped to France after choosing ‘Europe’ (thank you Brexit), I’m anxious to hear whether French President Emmanuel Macron will announce a third lockdown next week.
Like a bitter taste which makes you pull a face, rumours circulate of imminent tighter restrictions to combat the covid-19 pandemic. Yes, it’s vital to protect the health of the whole population… but it’s also so important to protect our liberty. Macron’s decision will have long-term impacts on our economy, mental health, jobs, infrastructure, leisure, pleasure, freedom - and even knowing if your friends are smiling at you. I don’t envy those in a position to make these choices.
Other options are being explored, such as protecting only the elderly and vulnerable, curfews and regional lockdowns. It’s clear these alternative approaches need to be more seriously considered, as discontent grows from unemployed youths, stressed parents and (here in the French Alps) worried employees from a once-busy tourism industry. From my window, I can see empty chairlifts swinging in the breeze, skeletal reminders of the ski season. One thing is clear: we need a better solution beyond either ‘lockdown’ or a vaccination programme which stings of ‘I hope this’ll work!’
All my big trips and expeditions in 2020 were obviously postponed due to covid. This was hugely disappointing since climbing and alpinism is something I deeply enjoy, and I felt like I was on a bit of a roll from the previous years. Momentum - both physically and mentally - is so important in climbing. However, the rationale of ‘staying at home’ during the spring 2020 lockdown was equally obvious. The mountains will always be there, and between the UK and Europe there’s enough climbing for many lifetimes. I did my best, but the initial lockdown in spring coincided with the best weather on record. All I say is, the lockdown gave some interesting opportunities for reflection… and I don’t enjoy obeying rules.
As the year rolls into 2021, it’s clear the coronavirus doesn’t obey the Roman calendar and those pinning hopes on a better start to the year were disappointed. I’m naturally very optimistic and positive that I can travel to giant Himalayan mountains soon; to stand in a remote, dusty meadow with giants looking down at me; and feel content with the sun’s warmth on my face and the soft gurgle of a stream nearby. However, even I can see this pandemic isn’t magically going to disappear any time soon!
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My other virulent concern, which is actually far more concerning(!) is climate change. Unlike covid, it’s actually an existential crisis - in the sense that it questions the continuation of humanity. According to a BBC radio programme I listened to a while ago, the major changes humanity must make are: have less children, eat less meat and dairy, travel less and use more sustainable energy forms. These are pretty shocking and revolutionary ideas!
I’m not a perfect role model for covid or climate change - I accept I need to do more. It’s hard - we’ve been able to taste the sweetness of (international) travel and climb cliffs and big mountains around the world, but this isn’t best for the environment. It’s easy to blame others (I know someone who flies (flew!) from London to South Africa for work, Monday to Friday) but really, change has to come from us all.
With this in mind, I’m psyched to find ways where I can still enjoy climbing in a low-impact and/or sustainable way. I know I could simply stay in the country I’m living in, but I honestly don’t think this represents a reasonable solution. There must be ways we can still travel, albeit in more sensitive ways. Perhaps by going on longer trips - to minimise the effects of travel - and combining work with play; travelling to these mountain ranges in a more environmentally-friendly way, such as overland via train; travelling less often; combining climbing trips with cycling or taking public transport (I have some ideas here); low-impact trips (I think living in a remote Base Camp is actually very ‘green’ but the travel to get there obviously isn’t!); continuing my diet of mainly vegetarian, and my consumerism (re-using and repairing)… and so on.
In the meantime, staying local is a good option, helping us to discover and further explore nature closer to our homes. Of course, this is placing a greater strain on these already-depleted environments, but if there is one benefit to the covid-19 pandemic in reference to climate change, it’s that the planet is breathing a much-needed sigh of relief. Carbon emissions for 2020 are expected to have dropped 6% due to the reduced global economic activity and mobility. But while the world’s richer countries aim to reduce our carbon footprint, ‘vaccinate everyone by Christmas’ and provide income support for those of us out of work, developing countries flounder. Tourism is (was) often the main source of income, coal and gas the power, and ‘sustainability’ a buzz-word exported upon them. It’s not us who will suffer first: it’s developing countries and our future generations.
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Here in the Alps, the mountains have become a little wilder and more inhospitable again, without their (in)famous lift-access. Approaches now take on a more Himalayan or Canadian Rockies scale. Personally, I enjoy this extra challenge. The peaks are still waiting, but the question is now, ‘how badly do you want to climb?’
From the window, I can see snow falling in fat flakes, covering the rooftops in quiet, white blankets. In the still morning air, the flat boom of avalanche bombs echo down the valley, reminding the residents just how controlled and artificial the region is. As the weather’s been mixed, I haven’t ventured into the high hills for a few weeks, which feels strange and unfortunate… but there’s hope on the horizon.
What happens next? How do we continue with climbing, covid and climate change? One thing is for certain: when the good weather arrives, climbers will always want to go climbing. There’s always hope!
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Friendly ideas and feedback are welcome.