When people think of epic mountain journeys, trips like the Himalayas, Everest, and K2 come to mind. However, there’s a mountain range in Uganda that provides a lesser-known adventure: the Rwenzori Mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also known as the “Mountains of the Moon” — a name given by Greek geographer Ptolemy in 150 AD. These mountains reach heights of 5,109 meters (16,761 feet) and — along with Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro — are Africa’s only “permanently” snow-capped mountains on the equator.

The word “permanently” is in quotations for an important reason: global warming is causing the Rwenzori Mountain glaciers to melt. I learned more about this during a showing of the film Snows of the Nile — directed and produced by scientist-photographers Dr. Neil Losin and Dr. Nate Dappen — at New York City’s Explorer’s Club during the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival. The event showcases engaging films that inspire global change.

Explains Dr. Dappen, “There are three places in Africa with glaciers near the equator: Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and the Rwenzori Mountains. Sadly, all three will likely be ice-free in the next few decades. Our new film, Snows of the Nile, follows our adventure to document the disappearance of tropical glaciers on top of Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains. In South America, the Andes are much taller and have many tropical glaciers, but these are shrinking as well.”

On A Mission

Uganda‘s Rwenzori Mountains, with their six distinct peaks and deep gorges, were first summited in 1906 by the Duke of Abruzzi, with renowned photographer Vittorio Sella capturing beautiful shots of the glacial peaks. Photographing these peaks from the same angles as those taken during the 1906 expedition was the main goal for Dr. Losin and Dr. Dappen, as they wanted to visually document the effects of global warming. Sadly, these glaciers have diminished by over 80%, with predictions that they’ll be completely gone in 20 years. These changes impact the lush flora and impressive biodiversity the Rwenzori Mountains are known for.

“But the Earth’s climate is changing,” Dr. Losin wrote in an article for National Geographic. “Glaciers all over the world are shrinking as the world gets warmer. If we followed in the Duke’s footsteps a hundred years later, what would we see? My buddy Nate Dappen and I decided we had to find out.”

When trekking through the Rwenzori Mountains, it’s impossible not to notice the Dr. Seuss-like landscape, with rare biodiversity, endemic species, and flora sprouting in rich patches. A wide variety of climates — tropical rainforest, alpine meadow, grasslands, montane cloud forests, afro-alpine moorland, bamboo forest, snowy peaks — along with over 3 meters (9 feet) of annual rainfall, high altitudes, and extreme temperature shifts, create an otherworldly scene of lobelias, giant heathers, and senecios.

As you ascend, the weather becomes intensely rainy and cloudy. Dr. Losin and Dr. Dappen had to take this into consideration, as it not only made the trek difficult but also challenged their ability to recreate the 1906 shots. And while the trip didn’t go 100% according to plan — especially as the peaks often remained hidden behind clouds — their efforts weren’t for nothing.

That being said, what they found was extremely alarming.

“Neil and I read a lot about the changes in the mountains before our trek, but we weren’t prepared for just how dramatic those changes would be,” explains Dr. Dappen. “For example, one of the huts we stayed in on Mt. Stanley would have been covered by over a hundred feet of ice during the 1906 expedition we were retracing. The numerous glacial lakes that had formed in just the last century also astonished us. Further, some of the routes that our guides took climbers on just a year before our expedition no longer existed. Another shock was seeing many of the amazing plants and animals of the Rwenzori thousands of feet higher than they could survive just a few decades ago. The list goes on and on. Despite all the change, these mountains are still spectacular. If you have the time, it’s worth visiting this place before the glaciers disappear completely.”

Can The Damage Be Reversed?

According to Dr. Dappen, it takes thousands of years for glaciers to form — a process that happens when more snow falls than melts. As it accumulates, the snow is compressed into ice. Because glacier formation is so slow, it would take many thousands of years for the Rwenzori Glaciers to return — and that’s assuming ideal conditions.

These melting glaciers aren’t the only symptom of climate change in the Rwenzori Mountains. Wildlife patterns are shifting, too.

“Plants and animals that could previously only survive at certain altitudes can now thrive at higher elevations, because the temperature is rising at all elevations,” says Dr. Dappen. “These changes in the distribution of plants and animals have major consequences for the environment and for humans. One scary example of this is with mosquitoes. Mosquitoes carry a parasite that causes malaria. Ibanda, the mountain village where climbers start their hike into the Rwenzoris, used to be too high for mosquitoes to survive. Historically, residents of Ibanda never experienced malaria. But in the last half-century, the climate has warmed enough for mosquitoes to invade higher altitudes. Malaria is now common in high-elevation villages like Ibanda.”

This is important to consider. While we may not be able to restore the Rwenzori Glaciers, we can work to stabilize the climate and prevent similar problems from arising elsewhere.

The Bakonjo People

While it’s sad to think that future generations may never get to see these unique mountains in person, those most directly affected by the melting ice are the Bakonjo people. They not only call the Rwenzoris home but also attach deep spiritual meaning to them. “Rwenzori” literally means “rainmaker,” and the mountains’ ability to bring heavy rains allows the region to thrive. If you’re lucky enough to climb the Rwenzori Mountains, it’s the Bakonjo people who will be your guides.

How You Can Help

While we can’t reverse the damage already done to the Rwenzori Glaciers, we can change our behaviors to help preserve what’s left of our planet. Here are a few starting points:

• Lessen your carbon footprint during your commute. Walk or cycle if possible, or use public transit. If you must drive, try carpooling.
• Make changes to your diet and buy organic, locally-grown foods whenever possible.
• Compost organic matter and recycle glass, plastic, and aluminum.
• When traveling, practice slow travel by staying in one place longer and choosing eco-friendly accommodations.
• Get involved with organizations working to make the planet greener, and help educate others.

Dr. Dappen also offers this suggestion: “I think the most important thing people can do is support their representatives in Congress to implement legislation that addresses climate change. Climate change is such a volatile political subject that most politicians are scared to touch it. Let your representatives know that climate change is an issue that’s important to you and that you’ll support their efforts to address it.”

Takeaway Points

Human activities are affecting every part of the planet. It’s time to start thinking more deeply about how our actions impact others and the world. What’s especially shocking about the melting Rwenzori Glaciers is that their disappearance is being driven by human activity happening on other continents — primarily in industrialized nations. Despite contributing very little to climate change, Uganda is suffering from it on a massive scale.

“One of the most common responses we’ve gotten from our film Snows of the Nile is, ‘I didn’t even know those mountains existed!’,” says Dr. Dappen. “Even though the Rwenzori glaciers may not be here for long, we can still learn from them. One of those lessons is that our actions — good or bad — are affecting places and people we’ve never heard of. Taking this into account makes me feel more like a part of the global community and encourages me to be a better member of it.”

The Stay Thirsty Grant

The Rwenzori Mountains expedition led by Dr. Losin and Dr. Dappen was made possible by Dos Equis’ Stay Thirsty Grant. The grant awards $25,000 to the person or team with an idea for a globally inspiring adventure. Have an idea that could educate or change the world and need help making it happen? Click here to learn how you can apply for the Stay Thirsty Grant and possibly turn your idea into reality.

To learn more about the devastating effects of global warming on the Rwenzori Mountains and see footage from the Stay Thirsty expedition, check out the trailer at the top of the post (full video available for purchase at $2.99).

What is your reaction to Dr. Losin and Dr. Dappen’s expedition? How do you work to lessen your carbon footprint?