Emotional Evidence of Change: Highlanders Experiences with Glacial Retreat in Peru

Abstract

Global climate change is a phenomenon studied by some, but experienced by many. Communities in various places across the globe live with the physical and social effects of that phenomenon each day, with the most highly vulnerable residing in developing countries, especially those in mountainous environments. Much like a keystone species, glaciers are largely depended upon at global and local scales. They offer climate data from core samples, influence sea level, serve as a water resource for individuals, communities, and agriculture, provide spaces for recreational activities and cultural practices, as well as influence religion and beliefs. Because of this, they are widely representative for showcasing the effects of climate change. There is ample evidence within the physical sciences backing the occurrence of changes in mountain environments, with less evidence present in the human dimensions, and particularly less on how it affects individuals who reside in these spaces on an emotional level. An emotional geography lens unveils the need for a deeper understanding of the individualistic ties humans have to people, places, and spaces, while a feminist political ecology lens helps illuminate the gendered capabilities and needs to adapt to a changing climate. This paper draws on a case study conducted using qualitative methods from communities in the Peruvian Andes as evidence of the need to address emotional welfare. This study utilizes the frameworks of feminist political ecology and emotional geography to understand the various challenges to adapting to climate change in a mountain environment.