Podcast Summary: "Evolving Everest Part 2: The Scientist"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Off the Radar
• Host: Emily Gracey, Meteorologist at The National Weather Desk
• Episode: Evolving Everest Part 2: The Scientist
• Release Date: February 11, 2025
• Description: In this episode, Emily Gracey delves into the mysteries of Mount Everest alongside glaciologist Duncan Quincy. They explore how climate change is unveiling hidden secrets of the world’s highest peak and the profound implications for both climbers and local communities.

1. Introduction

The episode opens with a gripping recount of the 1924 expedition of George Mallory and Andrew Irvine on Mount Everest’s Northeast Ridge. Their disappearance has remained one of mountaineering’s greatest mysteries, intensified by recent climate-induced glacier meltings that have started to reveal remnants from past expeditions.

2. The Mystery of Mallory and Irvine

Emily Gracey sets the stage by describing the disappearance of Mallory and Irvine in 1924. Their last known possession, a pocket camera, could have provided definitive evidence of the first ascent of Everest. Decades later, Mallory’s body was discovered in 1999, followed by Irvine’s boot last year, confirming his identity and sparking renewed interest in solving the century-old puzzle.

3. Climate Change and Glacier Retreat

The episode highlights how rising global temperatures are causing Everest's glaciers to retreat, unearthing artifacts and bodies from past expeditions. This melting not only aids in solving historical mysteries but also poses significant challenges and dangers for current and future climbers.

4. Interview with Duncan Quincy

a. Duncan's Background [06:10]

Duncan Quincy, a professor of glaciology at the University of Leeds, specializes in studying the dynamic changes of high mountain glaciers in response to climate change. His research focuses on the evolution of glaciers, their longevity as water resources for downstream communities, and the high-elevation snow and ice processes.

b. Everest's Environment [07:16]

Quincy provides an overview of Everest’s harsh environment:

• Altitude: 8,848 meters above sea level, with base camp around 5,300 meters.
• Glaciers: Massive ice masses, some up to 300 meters thick, laden with debris from rock avalanches.
• Climate Extremes: Night temperatures can plummet to -10°C, while daytime offers clear skies. The monsoon season (June-September) brings heavy rainfall, making climbing conditions perilous.

c. Changing Climate and Its Impact [10:44]

Quincy discusses the rapid warming observed over the past century:

• Temperature Rise: Approximately 0.3°C per decade over the last 40 years.
• Glacier Ice Loss: Accelerated melting of glaciers due to rising temperatures, despite relatively stable precipitation levels.
• Increased Dangers: More unpredictable weather windows, unstable glaciers, increased rockfalls, and avalanches make climbing Everest more hazardous.

Notable Quote:

"We see more rock falls, we see more avalanches, and we see previously stable glaciers starting to disintegrate." — Duncan Quincy [05:04]

d. Weather Observations Techniques [13:08]

Quincy explains the challenges of monitoring Everest’s weather. Recent National Geographic expeditions have established weather stations up to 8,100 meters, providing valuable real-time data. However, such extensive monitoring is limited to Everest, leaving other high mountain regions under-observed.

e. Upcoming Expedition [15:48]

Quincy outlines his team’s upcoming spring expedition aimed at studying the glacier surfaces between 6,000 to 7,000 meters. Their objectives include:

• Investigating Fern Zones: Transitional snow-ice layers where meltwater infiltration releases latent heat, warming the glacier from within.
• Deploying Weather Stations and Boreholes: To correlate melt events with subsurface temperature data, enhancing understanding of glacier dynamics.

Notable Quote:

"Once in a lifetime opportunity for a scientist. This will be an epic trip and if we can get any observations from up there, then we'll be chuffed a bit." — Duncan Quincy [15:50]

f. Litter and Environmental Concerns [19:58]

The discussion shifts to environmental degradation on Everest:

• Litter Issues: Accumulation of trash and abandoned equipment from climbers.
• Cleanup Efforts: The Sagamatha Pollution Control Corporation (SPCC) has been actively removing tens of kilometers of rubbish, now utilizing drone-based systems for more efficient cleanup.
• Future Challenges: Despite current cleanup successes, ongoing climber influx poses continuous threats to Everest’s pristine environment.

Notable Quote:

"There has been some degradation, there is litter about the place in places. But the SPCC has been bringing down tens of kilometers worth of rubbish within the last few years." — Duncan Quincy [20:24]

g. Uncovering Historical Artifacts [23:21]

As glaciers melt, historical artifacts like Irvine’s boot are increasingly discovered. Quincy emphasizes the delicate balance between solving historical mysteries and respecting the tragic elements associated with these findings.

Notable Quote:

"It's fascinating. Of course, there is a tragic element to it sometimes. But a lot of the materials are just interesting for their own sake." — Duncan Quincy [23:42]

h. Future Projections [25:39]

Quincy projects significant changes to Everest’s landscape:

• Glacier Detachment: Lower glacier parts may detach from the upper sections, creating stagnant ice blocks.
• Navigational Hazards: Increased surface meltwater ponds make trekking and climbing more dangerous.
• Potential Route Alterations: As traditional paths become impassable, climbing routes may need radical changes to ensure safety.

Notable Quote:

"It's going to become increasingly difficult for people like Scott then to navigate their way across that sort of terrain because you have to get down from those moraines onto the Glacier surface." — Duncan Quincy [25:39]

i. Interdisciplinary Approach and Community Impact [28:09]

Quincy underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research, collaborating with social scientists and local academics to understand and mitigate the impact of climate change on Himalayan communities. This collaboration ensures that scientific findings translate into actionable insights for sustainable development and improved quality of life for locals.

Notable Quote:

"We can feed our findings into them so that then they can make better decisions going forward." — Duncan Quincy [29:21]

5. Conclusion

Emily Gracey wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude to Duncan Quincy for his valuable insights. She highlights the critical nature of his research in understanding Everest’s changing environment and its broader implications for both the mountaineering community and the indigenous populations dependent on glacial resources.

Final Notable Quote:

"Because ultimately, that's why we care. That's the most important thing for the people of this region, is to have a better understanding of how their water supply is going to change over the next hundred years." — Duncan Quincy [28:09]

Key Takeaways:

• Climate Change Impact: Rapid warming is drastically altering Mount Everest’s glaciers, increasing dangers for climbers, and affecting local water resources.
• Historical Mysteries Unveiled: Melting glaciers are revealing artifacts and potentially solving longstanding mountaineering enigmas.
• Environmental Stewardship: Ongoing efforts to clean Everest highlight the need for sustainable practices amidst increasing human activity.
• Interdisciplinary Research: Combining glaciology with social sciences is crucial for comprehensive understanding and community support.
• Future Challenges: Mount Everest’s evolving landscape presents significant challenges for both scientific research and the future of mountaineering.

This episode of Off the Radar offers a profound exploration of how one of the world's most iconic mountains serves as a microcosm for broader climate change issues, blending historical intrigue with urgent environmental concerns.