In the shadow of melting glaciers: life in the heartland of the Incas’ former empire – a photo essay
The GuardianSunday, June 22, 2025 at 6:00:31 AM
In the Peruvian Andes, the Quechua communities around Cusco are holding onto ancient traditions while facing the harsh realities of climate change. Their sacred landscapes—once the heart of the Inca Empire—are now threatened by melting glaciers, drought-stricken pastures, and destructive mining. Through striking photos and firsthand accounts, this piece shows how their deep connection to "Mother Earth" helps them endure, even as their way of life grows more fragile.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a story about environmental damage—it’s about people whose culture and survival are tied to land that’s vanishing. The Quechua’s struggle highlights how climate change isn’t some distant problem; it’s already reshaping lives in places with deep historical roots. And their resilience offers a lesson in what we might lose if we don’t act.
— Curated via WP Now’s
