Trouble at the Top of the World

It is a dry region and because of the altitude trees do not grow there

People in Santa Lucia live far from reality and from civilisation, sticking to the traditional way of life as alpaca herders

The herders live off the animals they raise, selling the animals and alpaca wool

The alpaca ranchers have successfully adapted to the regions extreme altitude over generations

But they are getting increasingly concerned about climate change

One resident says: "In some months it rains and in others it does not, so the rivers are drying up"

The winters have grown longer and more severe over the past decades, becoming more than the residents can bear

Once the herders were able to sustain themselves through the long winter months, but today they are not able to manage their resources

Many alpacas do not survive due to the severe cold, so the business is no longer profitable for many herders

Salvador Alejo Tunco, a local leader and herder who grew up in the countryside, is battling against the elements as climate change threatens his community(***)s existence

Salvador says the city is becoming overcrowded because people are coming from the countryside seeking for better conditions

Due to the climate and the increasing lack of water the villagers can not grow vegetables or fruit needed for a balanced nutrition

Because of the changing weather the herders can not eat the same food they used to live on 25 years ago

Since the winters have become longer and colder, there is not enough gras for the alpacas

The farmers have to give the animals vitamins so they can make it through the winter

Many parents are concerned about their children and how they will handle global warming

Respiratory problems are becoming more prevalent, particulalry in minors and the elderly who are both vulnerable to climate change and its impact on their health

Some herders are making their children study so they can become professionals, hoping they will be able to live better lives

The communitys very way of life is at risk as climate change continues to profoundly affect them

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