Glaciar retreat consequences in Bolivia

Abstract

Glaciers have proven to be an excellent indicator of climate variations throughout the Holocene there are a number of studies on the recent trend towards disappearance of Bolivian glaciers. But at present, practically no research has been carried out on the consequences the melting and eventual disappearance of the country’s glaciers has and might have on the economic and social situation of its population. Thus, this country study on socio-economic impacts of glacier retreat is a first approach to get an overview of what and where might be expected in the future. Bolivian glaciers represent around 20% of the world’s tropical glacier area (Jordan 1991). The increased melting and disappearance started at the beginning of the 80s, with another increase during the last 5-10 years. Thus it is probable that most of the smaller glaciers which have not already vanished will have completely disappeared within 10 to 20 years from today. Impacts of glacier retreat are most likely to be mainly local, in some cases regional, which means that local authorities must play a vital role in this context. The supply of (drinking) water for the growing urban conglomeration La Paz – El Alto, is the main issue with shrinking glaciers in Bolivia.