Agency: The recently concluded five-day Snowman Race, held between Laya and Bumthang, has reinforced the growing impact of climate change on high-altitude communities of the country.
Marathoners who participated in the race expressed deep concern about the environmental changes they witnessed, calling for collective action to mitigate its risks.
While it remains a formidable challenge for Bhutan to fully combat climate change—given the global demographic and economic pressures—the runners are calling for collective action to minimise its risks.
Sangay Wangchuk, the men’s category winner of this year’s race, observed the impact of climate change more keenly than during his first participation in 2022.
“It was surprising to feel warm while running,” he said. “The environment around the Gangla Karchung area used to be extremely cold when I ran in 2022, but this time, it felt much warmer. I am concerned about how quickly things have changed in just two years.”
He also observed that several mountain rivers had swollen in size, a sign that glaciers are receding rapidly. “I also saw more signs of human and animal presence in these areas than before,” he said.
Sangay Wangchuk emphasised the need for more tree plantations in highland communities and the timely completion of developmental projects to reduce environmental impacts.
Karma Yangden, a resident of Laya and a two-time Snowman Race participant, echoed Sangay’s concerns. She said that she noticed less ice in the Gangla Karchung area, a worrying sign of warming temperatures. “I saw much less snowfall in the mountains, and the conditions have become noticeably warmer. We don’t feel as cold anymore,” she said.
She believes that combating climate change requires a joint effort. She has been creating awareness in her village to avoid littering and to reduce tree cutting.
“In Laya, conditions are changing rapidly. We are now seeing mosquitoes and insects that are typically found in warmer places. Snowfall doesn’t last as long, and fewer highlanders migrate to Punakha during the winter.”
Athletes also observed an increase in floods and landslides, further signs of the changing climate.
