地球上の陸地のおよそ四分の一を占める山岳地帯には、全人口の約12％が暮らしているとされます。世界の主な河川の源であり、地域の天候パターンに影響を与え、生物的・文化的多様性の中心を成し、資源を蓄え、登山や瞑想などのレクリエーションの場も提供してくれる山々ですが、近年、気候変動による深刻な影響を受けつつあります。山岳の水理学的・環境学的重要性を説くとともに、気候変動という地球規模の課題に、グローバルな協力を訴える一冊です。
　　

• Looks at both the regional and global effects of mountains on climate and ecosystems
• Considers the value of mountains to humanity, as centres of biological and cultural diversity, religious sanctuaries, sources of food, timber, and medicines, and major centres for tourism
• Discusses the impact of climate change on mountains, and considers how this affects the people who rely on mountains for their livelihood or culture

 
Mountains cover a quarter of the Earth's land surface and are home to about 12 percent of the global population. They are the sources of all the world's major rivers, affect regional weather patterns, provide centres of biological and cultural diversity, hold deposits of minerals, and provide both active and contemplative recreation. Yet mountains are also significantly affected by climate change; as melting and retreating glaciers show. Given the manifold goods and services which mountains provide to the world, such changes are of global importance. 
 
In this Very Short Introduction, Martin Price outlines why mountains matter at the global level, and addresses the existing and likely impacts of climate change on mountain, hydrological and ecological systems. Considering the risks associated with the increasing frequency of extreme events and 'natural hazards' caused by climate change, he discusses the implications for both mountain societies and wider populations, and concludes by emphasizing the need for greater cooperation in order to adapt to climate change in our increasingly globalized world.