Researchers at Uganda's Wildlife Authority (UWA) say that climate change has accelerated glacial melt on the country's western Rwenzori mountain range, with a recent six-meter wide crevice discovered on the ice cap covering Mount Margherita, Africa’s third highest peak.

This mountain, one of the few near the equator to host a glacier, was named a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in 1994.

However, rising temperatures have seen Mount Margherita’s ice cap go from six square kilometers in size 50 years ago to less than one square kilometer today, with scientists forecasting that all the glaciers in the Rwenzori range could disappear within 20 years.

Uganda Wildlife Authority scientists, we are thankful for your careful observations and insights into the African continent’s vital glaciers.

May such information hasten us all toward lifestyles that restore the Earth’s balance and stability.
Highlighting the urgency of the planet’s warming state, Supreme Master Ching Hai emphasized as on many previous occasions the need to foster eco-conscious ways during an August 2008 videoconference with our Canadian Association members.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8658270.stm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/04/AR2010050402226.html