Tenzing Norgay's son warns of Himalaya climate risks

Jamling Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, the son of Everest pioneer Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, said climate change is transforming the Himalayas and making mountaineering more dangerous.

His comments come as the Apple TV film “Tenzing” brings his father’s life to the screen. The film recounts the first confirmed ascent of Everest’s summit in 1953 by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary.

Jamling, 61, said recent disasters in Nepal were “a warning” for mountain communities and people living downstream. He pointed to the village of Thame, his father’s village at an altitude of about 3,800 metres, which he said was partly wiped out by a glacial lake outburst flood two years ago.

He said the changes are visible on Everest itself, including water appearing at Camp 2, about 6,400 metres high, where he said there used to be solid ice. He also said unpredictable weather and frequent avalanches are increasing risks for climbers and the Sherpa mountaineering community.

Jamling, who climbed Everest in 1996, said the world’s biggest emitters bear much of the responsibility for addressing climate change. He said the issue is not only affecting the Himalayas but also places in Europe and the United States.

The film features Genden Phuntsok as Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, with Tom Hiddleston as Edmund Hillary and Willem Dafoe also in the cast.