Why does climate change make mountains more dangerous?

Permafrost thaw increases the risk of rockfalls, glaciers become more unstable, and weather changes in the mountains are more sudden and unpredictable.

What is the difference between hiking and alpinism?

Alpinism is a technically demanding activity that requires knowledge, experience, and responsible decision-making, while hiking is a more recreational activity with fewer technical demands.

How can one get involved in alpinism in Rijeka?

Vedrana Simičević invited those interested to join the Rijeka Alpinist Club, where they can gain knowledge under the guidance of experienced instructors.

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Simičević: Climate Change Makes Mountains Increasingly Dangerous

L.J. · Prije 7h | 2 min

Alpinist and journalist Vedrana Simičević warned on HRT's show about permafrost thaw, unstable glaciers, and a growing number of unprepared hikers.

Summary

Alpinist Vedrana Simičević warned that permafrost thaw and unstable glaciers are making mountains increasingly dangerous.
A growing number of unprepared people are attempting challenging ascents, driven by social media.
Science journalism is crucial in the fight against misinformation, especially in the era of artificial intelligence.
Simičević called on citizens to get involved with the Rijeka Alpinist Club and learn from experienced instructors.

Climate change is dramatically altering conditions in the mountains, making them more dangerous even for experienced alpinists. Vedrana Simičević, a journalist, editor, and alpinist, warned about this on the show Kafe on Croatian Radio Rijeka, discussing the growing risks that hikers face today.

The show, hosted by Ivona Pierobon on August 2, 2026, touched on key differences between hiking and alpinism. Simičević noted that alpinism is a technically demanding discipline that requires expertise, experience, and thoughtful decision-making, clearly distinguishing it from casual hiking in one's free time.

More Unprepared People in the Mountains

The popularity of mountains, fueled by social media, is leading to an increasing number of people embarking on challenging ascents without proper preparation. Simičević warned that this raises the risk of accidents, especially in conditions made increasingly unpredictable by climate change.

Due to permafrost thaw, the risk of rockfalls is rising, glaciers are becoming less stable, and weather conditions in the mountains are becoming more extreme. Therefore, as the guest emphasized, it is crucial to monitor conditions and acquire the necessary skills before heading into the mountains.

Science Journalism as a Tool Against Misinformation

Beyond alpinism, Simičević also spoke about the role of science journalism in today's society. She highlighted that its role is to bring complex scientific content closer to the general public and enable people to distinguish reliable data from false information, especially in the era of social media and artificial intelligence.

She also touched on her research activities, including the preservation of rivers and nature, and the commercialization of high-mountain areas, stressing that caring for the environment is a shared responsibility. She encouraged all those interested in alpinism to join the Rijeka Alpinist Club and acquire skills under the guidance of experienced trainers.