Eco-Smart Parent

International Mountain Day

Source: http://www.autocarhire.com/travelblog/featured/december-holiday-destinations-blue-mountains-new-south-wales-australia/

In 2002, the United Nations adopted a resolution that designated December 11th International Mountain Day. This designation is to raise awareness about the relevance of mountain forests and the role they play within a green economy, as well as in climate change adaptation measures.

Mountains cover 1/4 of the earth's surface and are home to 12% of the population. They are important sources of clean drinking water and it is estimated that snow melt and rainfall from mountains provide water for over half of the world's population. Mountain life can be harsh as residents are exposed to rapidly changing weather and threats such as landslides, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. According to the United Nations, mountain people are some of the world's poorest and most disadvantaged people as they are often marginalized by society and lack access to basic services such as health care and education.

Photo: Martin Mejia/AP
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jan/03/peru-mountain-farmers-winter-cold

This is an interesting contradiction to what we see in this country. Mountains are often sought after by second home buyers and people who can afford access to services despite the challenges presented by topography and mountain climates. In countries with less wealth and infrastructure, mountain areas are not the most desirable places to live due to harsh conditions.

Due to the lack of development in many mountainous regions, they can contain some of the richest biological diversity, especially in tropical rainforests. To learn more about mountain environments around the world, their biodiversity, and conservation threats, view a UNESCO report here.

For the kids:

1. Show them pictures of mountains around the world and discuss the differences they see to other mountains they have seen. Ask them, what type of animals might live there? Do you think different types of animals live there than live here? Why? What kind of resources do animals need to survive? What kind of weather conditions do you think occur on these mountains?

-They might look cold if snow is present. They might notice a lack of trees if the elevation is high enough. What kind of animals might live on a rocky surface? What happens to all that snow when it melts? It is an excellent source of drinking water. Mountains are formed due to the movement of earth's crust at a rate similar to how fast fingernails grow!

Source: http://www.farwestchina.com/2010/04/5-fantastic-mountain-scenes-in-xinjiang-china.html

Source: http://wallpaperstock.net/road-over-mountains_wallpapers_27958_2560x1600_1.html

2. Show them pictures of different mountain communities from around the world. How do these communities differ from ones they see in the United States? How are they similar? Why do you think this is?

-You can talk about what people need to survive. What are wants vs. needs? Why is it harder to get these things in the mountains? It is harder to build infrastructure and harder to grow crops on rocky soils.