Climate change: Rising global temperatures are influencing mountain ecosystems. Ice melting, permafrost thawing, unpredictable precipitation patterns, and shifting plant and animal life patterns are some consequences of climate change in mountains.
Deforestation: Trees play a crucial role in slope stability, water purification, and soil retention in mountain regions. However, logging and deforestation for agriculture and development threaten the stability and biodiversity of these areas.
Overpopulation and urbanization: Increasing population and subsequent urban development in mountain regions can overburden natural resources and disrupt fragile ecosystems, leading to habitat loss, water scarcity, and increased vulnerability to natural hazards.
Unsustainable tourism practices: Inhospitable mountain areas often witness a significant increase in tourism. Unmanaged tourist influx causes damage to sensitive habitats, pollution of natural water bodies, and disruption of wildlife patterns.
Mining: Mineral deposits found in mountain areas often lead to mining operations that can cause extensive environmental damage, polluting water sources and destroying wildlife habitats.