Fewer glaciers, more lakes. This is the finding drawn up by the National Water Authority (ANA) of Peru, in a report concerning the period 1948-1959. "Peru has lost 51% of its glacial surface in the last 50 years due to the effects of climate change on these solid water reserves," says this text. Glaciers are ecosystems very sensitive to climate change. In recent decades, the effects have been more evident, resulting in a notable decrease in the mass of glaciers and the formation of new lakes. "
Peru has more than 8,000 mountain lakes. The Pastoruri glacier, 5,200 meters long and located in the region of Ancash, in the north of the country, is considered one of the tourist jewels of the Huascarán National Park. It is also the most affected with more than 50% of its molten surface due to climate change.
#Yanamarey, el nevado peruano que está condenado a desaparecer en 10 años. If in 1972 tenía 1.35 km2, actualmente cuenta con 0.29 km2 ► https://t.co/po5cqkzlve Por @laurbinasa pic.twitter.com/e9ys7zuLQn
- Perú El Comercio (@PeruECpe) December 1, 2017"Between 1980 and 2019, it receded more than 650 meters, forming a new lake in contact with the glacier and which continues to grow," according to the report. The Uruashraju and Yanamarey glaciers, also located in the Ancash region, retreated an average of one kilometer between 1948 and 2019.
Thirteen glaciers under surveillance
Peru has a total of 2,679 glaciers representing approximately 2,000 km². At the national level, the ANA monitors 13 glaciers located in the center and the south of the country.
Peru has the largest tropical mountain range and 71% of the world's tropical glaciers, as well as 27 of the world's 32 climates, according to the ANA.
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