Abstract ID: 3.10013 | Not reviewed | Requested as: Talk | TBA | TBA

Mount Everest Base Camp (EBC), a key stop for climbers aiming to reach the summit, has experienced a significant rise in human activity in recent years, leading to increased environmental stress on the Khumbu Glacier—particularly from human biological waste. This study focuses on the thermal impact of human urine on glacier melting, identifying it as an important yet often overlooked contributor to localized ice loss. During the 2023 spring climbing season, field data were collected to estimate the total heat energy released by urine deposited directly onto the glacier surface, factoring in urine volume, temperature, frequency, and distribution across the campsite. While each urination event releases only a small amount of heat, the combined effect—especially with the high number of visitors—can lead to measurable melting of snow and ice, particularly in areas around tents and shared facilities where waste accumulates. This localized melting not only accelerates ice loss but also destabilizes the glacier surface. The study also explores the shortcomings of current sanitation practices, which often allow direct urination onto the glacier, and recommends improved waste management solutions such as centralized urine disposal systems. These measures are essential for reducing the human impact on this fragile high-altitude environment and promoting more sustainable mountaineering practices.