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Glaciers of Kibo peak

Glacier at the summit.

Kibo is the highest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the only one to substain rare tropical glaciers.

Glacial retreat

It is generally accepted that the glaciers on top of Kilimanjaro have been retreating since the end of the little ice age, approximately 150 years ago. The speed of retreat appears to have accelerated in recent decades, raising questions about human contributions. Scientific concensus is that humans are directly contributing to this retreat. There are several theories to explain this, as explored below.

Two images of Mount Kilimanjaro produced by placing satellite imagery over digital elevation models. Images are dated Febuary 17, 1993 (left) and Febuary 21, 2000 (right). Dramatic change in ice cover is apparent, but misleading. The image from 1993 was taken immediatly following a snowfall. This illustrates the fact that Mount Kilimanjaro has been used unfairly as a catalyst for global warming. [1]

Global warming

Further information: Global warming

Scientists who support the theory that global warming — caused by the greenhouse effect — is responsible point towards the dramatic temperature rise from a natural cooling trend lasting from 1940 to 1980. They argue that this warming trend is directly responsible for the retreat of the glaciers on Kilimajero through warming temperatures, and indirectly through effects on local climate.

Those who believe in the theory of global warming point out that this ... is unprecendended. Kilimanjaro has survived major droughts before, notably ...

In any case, recent studies state that it is impossible to rule out that a global change in the atmosphere is contributing. [2]