Climate

West Wales scientists to test if snow is melting high on Everest

Published

2 years ago

September 18, 2024

RESEARCHERS plan to test if the snow high up on Everest is melting, threatening the water supplies of over one billion people.

Despite air temperatures being well below zero on the highest mountain on Earth, it is believed that the snow may be melting due to rising air temperatures combined with intense solar radiation.

If the theory proves correct, it would suggest that the glaciers in the Himalayas are thawing faster than expected.

Glaciers in the highest mountains of the planet are an extremely important source of water with over one billion people – including many in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh – depending on Himalayan runoff.

Changes in the rate of glacier thawing would threaten this water supply. Another danger would also be more flooding from failures of natural ice dams, or so-called Glacial Lake Outburst Floods.

The new project follows previous findings by Aberystwyth University and University of Leeds researchers which showed that the temperature of the ice in the lower parts of Khumbu Glacier, at the foot of Mount Everest, is warmer than would be expected given the local air temperature.

As part of the research, Professor Bryn Hubbard from Aberystwyth University will work with Professor Duncan Quincey of the University of Leeds to lead a team to the Western Cwm, over six kilometres above sea level and half a kilometre above base camp.

The researchers expect to go on their first trip in spring 2025 to drill into the surface of the upper reaches of Khumbu Glacier and use the boreholes to record temperatures. The team will also install automatic weather stations at the study sites.

This data will help them look for evidence of melting and refreezing within the glacier’s surface snowpack.

Professor Bryn Hubbard from Aberystwyth University’s Department of Geography and Earth Sciences said:

“It may well be a bit of a surprise to many that snow is melting within the mountain’s Western Cwm, but it is increasingly likely and it needs to be investigated and measured if we are going to be able to identify the effects of climate change on this water-stressed region and beyond.

“Understanding and recording what actually happens inside these glaciers is critical to developing computer models of their response to anticipated climate change. Equally important is developing a better understanding of how they flow so that we can better predict when dams that form on these glaciers are likely to be breached, releasing destructive volumes of water to the valleys below. This is a real risk in the Himalayas as it is in other regions such as the Andes and has the potential to endanger the lives of thousands of people.”

Scientific observations are rarely made at high altitudes because of the logistical challenges in transporting equipment.

The team is designing a new lightweight drilling setup to overcome these barriers. However, it will still face problems such as maintaining battery power in freezing temperatures and working in areas with harsh living conditions and low levels of oxygen.

Professor Duncan Quincey explained:

“Our previous work has relied on helicopters to transport our equipment onto the glacier, but given how thin the air is in the Western Cwm, we can’t be sure the helicopters will be able to fly this time. We also won’t know quite how the equipment will fare in such harsh conditions, because it is designed to operate in much warmer conditions – as could also be said for the human body! But if we can successfully drill even a single borehole within the Western Cwm, that will be a major success. Most importantly, it will lead us to being able to model how water supplies are likely to change for a large part of the world’s population with much greater certainty.”

Professor Hubbard added:

“This work will also give us a new understanding of processes and changes that are relevant for all glaciers in similar settings world-wide. Hopefully, it will resolve outstanding debates about the possibility of net mass loss at the world’s highest elevations and indicate the extent to which other glaciers within the Himalayas may also contain unexpectedly warm ice.

“We should also be able to provide insights into a rarely observed cryospheric zone that can inform public policy on climate change. As part of this, we will be providing further evidence for supporting agencies such as the United Nation’s Development Programme, and the Nepalese government. This should help them prepare for, and mitigate against, a now inevitable change in meltwater supply as climatic changes continue to influence the region.”

The project is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council and is a collaboration between academics from Aberystwyth and Leeds universities.

Climate

Offshore wind offers ‘positive route’ for Wales’ energy future

Published

3 days ago

June 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Countryside charity says renewables must be built in the right places

A WELSH countryside charity has backed offshore wind as a major opportunity for Wales, saying it can deliver clean energy, skilled jobs and coastal regeneration without putting unnecessary pressure on rural landscapes.

CPRW, The Welsh Countryside Charity, said comments by Cabinet Minister Adam Price in support of offshore wind marked a positive direction for Wales’ renewable energy future.

The charity said offshore wind offered one of the clearest ways for Wales to meet its future electricity needs while reducing pressure for large-scale onshore developments in sensitive upland areas, peatlands, productive farmland and rural communities.

The issue has become increasingly prominent across Wales as communities respond to major renewable energy proposals, including new-generation wind turbines, pylons, substations and grid infrastructure.

CPRW said it supported the transition to renewable energy, but argued that Wales needed a planned national strategy rather than a system which left rural communities reacting to speculative applications.

The Welsh Government has also identified offshore wind as a key economic opportunity, particularly around ports, supply chains, manufacturing, maintenance, skills and long-term energy infrastructure.

Floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea is seen as especially important for south west Wales, with Milford Haven and Port Talbot both linked to future green energy and port development.

Dr Jonathan Dean, CPRW energy specialist, said: “Adam Price is making some very encouraging noises. Wales absolutely needs renewable energy, but we also need to be strategic about where it goes.

“Offshore wind has the potential to revitalise the economy in both north and south Wales, with genuine long-term service and support jobs linked to ports, maintenance, skills and supply chains.

“It can deliver clean electricity at the scale Wales needs, without forcing unnecessary trade-offs with our most valued landscapes, upland peat, rare habitats and rural communities.

“This should be the direction of travel for Wales: ambitious, strategic and offshore-led.”

CPRW said Wales must ensure that renewable energy development brings lasting benefit to Welsh communities, rather than simply exporting power and profit elsewhere.

Jonty Colchester, Chair of CPRW, said: “CPRW strongly supports the transition to renewable energy, but it must be planned properly and in the public interest.

“Offshore wind gives Wales a major opportunity to lead: creating skilled jobs, supporting coastal communities and delivering clean energy, while helping to protect the countryside and landscapes that are central to our national identity.

“We welcome the Minister’s comments and urge Welsh Government to put offshore wind, marine energy, grid modernisation and Welsh supply-chain benefit at the heart of a clear national energy strategy.”

The charity said offshore wind should sit alongside marine energy, grid upgrades and stronger community benefit arrangements.

It added that a strategic approach was needed to protect landscapes, nature and rural communities while still delivering the scale of clean power needed for the future.

CPRW, formerly known as the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales, has worked for nearly 100 years to protect rural landscapes and promote sustainable development.

Climate

Offshore wind ‘could bring new generation of jobs to Milford Haven’

Published

4 days ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire ports and Celtic Sea projects placed at centre of Wales’ green energy ambitions

MILFORD HAVEN and Pembroke Dock could be at the heart of a new offshore wind boom after Wales’ new energy minister said the sector could drive jobs, investment and coastal regeneration.

Adam Price, the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, told the Global Offshore Wind 2026 conference that Wales was “open for business” and ready to work with industry, the UK Government and The Crown Estate.

For Pembrokeshire, the announcement is particularly significant. The Milford Haven Waterway is already being positioned as a key base for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, with Pembroke Port earmarked as a major renewables hub. Plans for a dedicated floating offshore wind storage compound at Pembroke Dock have already secured planning permission.

Mr Price said: “I believe that the offshore wind sector has the potential to deliver high quality sustainable career opportunities for people in Wales.

“The offshore wind sector has a key role to play in bringing about the regeneration of coastal communities in both north and south Wales.

“Our role is to remove the blockers faced by the sector — whether in planning, access to finance or infrastructure.”

The Celtic Sea floating wind programme is expected to create major supply chain opportunities for Welsh ports, engineering firms, vessel operators and training providers. Marine Energy Wales has said the first 4.5GW of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea could create more than 5,300 jobs during construction.

The Port of Milford Haven has previously said the Haven’s existing energy expertise, heavy engineering base and deep-water port facilities make it well placed to support the industry.

Mr Price also welcomed UK Government support for Port Talbot, but Pembrokeshire businesses will be watching closely to ensure Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock receive a fair share of the investment.

Jessica Hooper, Director of RenewableUK Cymru, said offshore wind was “Wales’ next big industrial opportunity”, adding that it could be worth almost £5bn to Welsh businesses and deliver more than 3,000 long-term secure jobs.

For Milford Haven, long associated with oil, gas and marine industry, floating offshore wind could mark the next chapter in the Haven’s energy story.

Climate

Royal Welsh Show visitors urged to travel sustainably

Published

1 week ago

June 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

VISITORS to this year’s Royal Welsh Show are being encouraged to use public transport as organisers look to ease congestion and promote more sustainable travel.

The show takes place at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, from July 20 to 23, and is expected to attract thousands of people from across Wales and beyond.

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society said rail and bus services would provide convenient options for showgoers, with free shuttle buses running from Builth Road railway station to the showground, which is just over a mile away.

Discounted admission

Visitors travelling on the Heart of Wales Line with a valid rail ticket will be able to buy discounted show admission tickets from conductors and ticket offices along the route.

The discounted prices are £35 for adults and £11 for children. Children under 16 can travel free by train when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.

Transport for Wales said rail services would connect visitors from across Wales and the borders, including routes from Cardiff through some of Wales’ most scenic countryside. TrawsCymru bus services will also provide another option for those travelling to the event.

Family activities

Transport for Wales and Network Rail will also have an interactive stand at the show, offering family-friendly rail safety activities and entertainment.

Activities will include VR headset experiences, story time sessions, badge-making classes and rail safety performances. Builth Wells Male Voice Choir is also due to visit the stand on the first day of the show.

Children under 16 travelling to the show by train on the Heart of Wales Line will be able to collect a free activity sheet on board and hand in their completed artwork at the Transport for Wales stand for a chance to win a prize.

Visitors are being urged to plan their journeys in advance through the Transport for Wales website and journey planner.

Travel encouraged:

Visitors to the Royal Welsh Show are being urged to consider rail and bus services this year (Pic: RWAS).