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Helena Christensen – photographer went to Peru with Oxfam to photograph the impact of climate change and record the receding of the glaciers. While there, she talked to Alpaca farmers and herders, people who live in the mountains and depend on the glaciers. They have no idea why the weather changes are happening.
Christensen says, “Many Peruvians think climate changes are their own fault. The Gods are punishing them. Droughts, earthquakes and plagues are being put on them as punishment for using the soil, or conducting tourism.”
Stunningly, when informed about the true nature of the problem – a changing climate due to carbon emissions (particularly from the developed nations), their response is they want to know what they can do to help. Many in the mountains of Peru who have heard about environmental concerns by radio have taken steps to live consciously in regard to climate change by planting over 2 million trees and taking steps to conserve water.
This destructive chain reaction happening in Peru can only be stopped by world leaders who can limit carbon emissions. Otherwise, rural farmers in Peru will not be able to live. Villages and farm communities will disappear.
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