Kilimanjaros ice can disappear in the next 13 to 24 years

Scientists study predicted the disappearance of the ice in next 13 to 24 years on one of the highest mountains in Africa.

United States researchers Lonnie Thompson and his co-workers said, the glaciers on Kilimanjaro, Tanzania’s snow crowned volcano which draws in 40 000 visitors every year could vanish in near future.

A study published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences also announced that the ice fields will disappear within a decade or two if current global worming conditions remain.

The study blames the warmer temperatures due to climate change and less cloudy conditions than in the past.

The climate conditions currently blamed for the loss of Kilimanjaro’s ice crown are distinctly unique within 11,700 years, said the study. The mountain lost 26 percent of its ice cover between 2000 and 2007, added the study.

At 5,896 meters tall, Kilimanjaro is one of the Africa’s main tourism attractions, providing the tourists a bit of tropical and glacial five days of climb.

“The disappearance of the ice cover will have a bad impact on the tourism in tropical east Africa,” said Thompson.

Kilimanjaro brings in about $50 million a year. Tourism is major income in Tanzania, which have earned an estimated $1.22 billion in 2008.

Home to buffalos, elephants and leopards, as well as magnificent views of the Rift Valley, Kilimanjaro also known as “the roof of Africa” was first scaled by a European, Hans Meyer, 120 years ago.

While its summit rises above the clouds, it can be reached with a walking stick and some puff.

Article written by: Screenquip

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