As modern humans find ways to adapt and build resiliency to anthropogenic climate change, one art exhibition is looking to the past to uncover how the 17th century Dutch acclimated themselves to extreme weather.
The Getty Center, a museum in Los Angeles, opened an exhibition on May 28 titled On Thin Ice: Dutch Depictions of Extreme Weather, which features Dutch artists’ works from the 1600s.
The Little Ice Age
The exhibition, on display through Sept. 1, explores the everyday resilience to the extreme weather during a time period nicknamed the “Little Ice Age.” According to the museum’s representatives, this time period consisted of particularly harsh winters as well as cooler-than-usual summers.
While it wasn’t a massive ice age on a global scale, the Little Ice Age lasted hundreds of years, from around 1300 to 1850 and affected much of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly Europe. This was caused in part by volcanic activity and changing wind patterns and ocean currents, and it led to long winters, with frequent and heavy snowfall.
While the Dutch struggled, facing extreme weather such as powerful storms and flooding, historians have uncovered more and more evidence that the Dutch in particular were able to build resilient communities that helped provide food to disadvantaged families, improve infrastructure, further scientific advancements and more, according to an essay in Aeon.
Building Resiliency
While the Industrial Revolution — and the emissions that skyrocketed since — didn’t begin until the 18th century, long after the artworks in the On Thin Ice exhibition were created, humans today can still relate to how people throughout history adapted to more natural bouts of climate change and extreme weather, the exhibition suggests.
A sense of community and innovation helped people of the past adapt to the extreme weather they were facing. In the Netherlands, this looked like adapting to frozen waterways that remained icy into spring with improved icebreaking tools and greasing ships and strengthening ship hulls to combat icy waters, as The Washington Post reported. If the ice couldn’t break down, communities would pivot and host ice fairs to attract visitors and generate income. During this time, the Dutch also invested in charities and established insurance policies to offer more protections against the many things that could go wrong in the face of extreme weather.
The Works on Display
The Getty Center exhibition includes around 40 drawings and paintings by Dutch artists, with a highlight on works by painter Hendrick Avercamp.
The entrance to the exhibition reads, in part, “In the seventeenth century the Dutch Republic experienced a period of political stability, economic prosperity, and great technological advancement. A complex system of levees, canals, and windmills protected the Netherlands from the encroaching sea and transformed marshland into highly fertile tracts of farmland.”
“Astute observers and critics of their time, artists underscored the fundamental uncertainty of climate conditions, and their works offer opportunities to reflect on our current environmental crises,” the exhibition introduction continues.
One painting by Avercamp, “Winter Landscape With Skaters,” was painted during one of the harshest winters of the time period. You can see moored boats partially frozen in a thick sheet of ice, and some people in the foreground standing near a large hold for ice fishing. Some people are walking together, some people are playing games on ice and others are hauling goods.
“Winter Landscape With Skaters” by Hendrick Avercamp. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam / public domain
Another work from Avercamp, “A Winter Scene with Two Gentlemen Playing Colf,” shows people enjoying time outdoors, whether they’re just standing on ice talking to one another or sledding and skating. Two people at the foreground of the painting engage in a game of colf, a Dutch game with similarities to golf and hockey.
“A Winter Scene with Two Gentlemen Playing Colf” by Hendrick Avercamp. Getty Museum
Another work, “January” by Jan van de Velde, shows a community coming together for merriment, like skating on a frozen lake and walking in groups on an outdoor path, despite the cold temperatures.
“January” by Jan van de Velde. UCLA Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts,
Hammer Museum, Rudolf L. Baumfeld Bequest
The Dutch were able to prosper economically during the Little Ice Age, in part by providing goods and supplies to other countries. We can get a glimpse of their work amid freezing temperatures in “Winter Landscape,” an artwork by Nicolaes Molenaer. In the piece, people are depicted moving goods across ice, which must be very thick and frozen to hold the weight of horse-drawn carriages moving supplies. People in the drawing are bundled in coats and hats.
“Winter Landscape” by Nicolaes Molenaer. National Museum in Warsaw / Wilanów Palace / public domain
In “A Winter Scene” by Hendrik Meyer, there are displays of harsh winter and hard work, yet comfort and warmth. Snow is piled up on a roof and the surrounding landscape, and workers are chopping and hauling wood and transporting people in carriages. People have flushed cheeks, and a mother and child stand in the doorway of a home with smoke blowing out of the snowy chimney.
“A Winter Scene” by Hendrik Meyer. Getty Museum
On the opposite site of “A Winter Scene,” the exhibition includes another work by Hendrik Meyer titled “A Summer Scene.” Here, people are tending to animals and agricultural work. According to the Getty Center, details like animals in the shade, dogs drinking water, and women in their bare feet may indicate hot weather. In the far distance, the viewer can spot windmills.
“A Summer Scene” by Hendrik Meyer. Getty Museum
These are just a handful of works on display in the exhibition, but they collectively show a range of families and strangers who are both working hard for the community and indulging in leisure time and recreation, despite facing extreme weather.
“During a period of extended cold in the 17th century, a number of remarkable Dutch artists created a genre of paintings and drawings that capture the icy landscapes and extreme living conditions of climate gone awry,” Timothy Potts, Maria Hummer-Tuttle and Robert Tuttle Director of the Getty Museum, said in a press release. “There are obvious resonances with the opposite extreme we face today in the rising temperatures across much of the globe.”
Looking to the Future
The old adage goes that history repeats itself, and while the current climate crisis often comes with unprecedented events, this art exhibition reveals some hope in how humans can work together to adapt to climate change.
During the Little Ice Age, the Dutch, as depicted in the artworks, became important purveyors of goods to other countries, dedicated themselves to hard work for community betterment, and even participated extensively in charitable acts, as explained by Anne McCants, a history professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. They adapted so well that their advancements during the Little Ice Age led to the Dutch Golden Age.
Rather than be passive bystanders to the worst impacts of the climate crisis, humans today can and should collaborate to work on slowing climate change and undoing some of the damage we’ve done to the planet. Like the people of the past, we’ll need to work together and tap into innovation and ingenuity to overcome the struggles we face.
“Today’s global climate crisis is an ongoing issue affecting current and future generations, and often inspiring the work of contemporary artists. This exhibition offers a glimpse at how Dutch artists in 1600s presented such topics,” said Stephanie Schrader, curator of drawings at the Getty Museum. “Not only will it give visitors a better understanding of the past, but it will also provide an example of how adaptation is our only hope for the future.”
The post Museum Exhibit Draws Parallels Between ‘Little Ice Age’ Resiliency and Modern Climate Crisis appeared first on EcoWatch.
https://www.ecowatch.com/dutch-paintings-extreme-weather-getty-center-art-exhibit.html
Altitude sickness isn’t just an Everest problem. It’s a risk for any hiker venturing into high country above 3,000 meters (9,842 feet), from the Rockies and Andes to the Himalayas. Mountaineers and high-altitude climbers have understood this for decades: success at altitude isn’t about strength alone, but about pacing, acclimatization, and knowing when to stop.
Those same lessons apply directly to trekkers heading for Everest Base Camp (EBC). You can train for months, buy the best gear, and still get humbled by one thing on the trek to Everest Base Camp: altitude. One day you feel strong and excited. The next morning you wake up in Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters / 11,286 feet) with a pounding headache, no appetite, and legs that suddenly feel heavy. That’s altitude sickness, and it’s the reason many trekkers turn back before they ever reach Base Camp.
The good news? Altitude sickness is often preventable. Not with “super fitness,” but with smart pacing, proper acclimatization, good daily habits, and the right decisions at the right time.
This guide breaks everything down in a clear, practical way: what altitude sickness is, why it happens on the Everest Base Camp route, how to acclimatize properly, what symptoms to watch for, and what to do if you feel unwell. Follow these principles, and you’ll give yourself the best chance of reaching Everest Base Camp safely, and actually enjoying the journey.
What Is Altitude Sickness and Why Is It a Concern on the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), occurs when your body doesn’t have enough time to adapt to lower oxygen levels at high elevation. According to the Himalayan Rescue Association, symptoms can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions if ignored.
It usually starts mild, but it can escalate quickly.
The three types you should know
- AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness): AMS, the most common form, begins with dizziness and difficulty sleeping; the key is recognizing AMS early so it doesn’t progress.
- HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema): This condition happens when fluid builds up in the lungs, making breathing difficult even at rest. Additional oxygen and medication are needed.
- HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema): An urgent medical emergency requiring immediate evacuation, HACE involves swelling of the brain that causes confusion and loss of coordination.
Why Altitude Sickness Is Common on the EBC Route
Everest Base Camp sits at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). At this altitude, oxygen availability is roughly 50% of sea-level concentrations, according to data summarized by the CDC’s High-Altitude Travel Guidelines.
You can’t “power through” that change. Your body needs time.
The EBC trek adds extra stressors:
- Long walking days
- Cold temperatures
- Dehydration (very common at altitude)
- Poor sleep in teahouses at higher villages
These same challenges become even more pronounced for trekkers who combine the trek to Everest Base Camp with climbing Island Peak Nepal, where altitude exposure is higher and recovery margins are tighter.
Altitude sickness has nothing to do with strength. Even very fit trekkers can develop AMS if they ascend too quickly.
When Altitude Sickness Usually Starts on the Trek
Symptoms often appear above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). On the EBC trek, this can happen quickly, especially after reaching Namche Bazaar.
Higher-risk points along the journey include:
- Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters / 11,286 feet)
- Dingboche (4,410 meters / 14,468 feet)
- Lobuche (4,940 meters / 16,207 feet)
- Gorak Shep (5,164 meters / 16,942 feet)
From around 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) onward, doing a short body check every evening becomes essential.
How to Prepare for Altitude Before the Everest Base Camp Trek
A smoother trek starts before you even land in Nepal. Preparation won’t guarantee you avoid AMS, but it helps your body cope better with stress and fatigue.
Get Your Body Trek-Ready
Aim for 8–12 weeks of training, including:
- Uphill hiking (stairs, hills, treadmill incline)
- Long walks for endurance
- Leg and core strength training
- Practice hikes with a backpack
Fitness won’t prevent altitude sickness, but it reduces overexertion, which does lower risk. This becomes especially important if your itinerary includes Island Peak climbing after Everest Base Camp, where accumulated fatigue can increase susceptibility to AMS.
Medical Check-Up
Before you travel to high-altitude destinations, speak to a medical professional if you have:
- Asthma or lung conditions
- Heart issues
- Previous history of altitude sickness
- Concerns about taking Diamox
Also ensure your travel insurance covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation, particularly if you plan additional objectives like peak climbing.
The Best Acclimatization Techniques for the EBC Trek
If there’s one rule that saves trekkers every season, it’s this:
Go slow—especially above 3,000 meters (9,842 feet). A safe itinerary includes at least two key acclimatization days:
Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,286 ft)
Stay two nights. Do a day hike to Everest View Hotel or Khumjung, then sleep back in Namche.
Dingboche (4,410m / 14,468 ft)
Stay two nights. Hike to Nagarjun Hill or the Chhukung ridge area, then descend to sleep.
These aren’t “rest days”, they’re altitude training days. Skipping them is one of the most common mistakes trekkers make, especially those planning to continue on to Island Peak after the EBC trek.
Hike to a higher point during the day, then return to a lower elevation to sleep. Keep acclimatization hikes steady and controlled, not exhausting missions.
Medications for Altitude Sickness: What Actually Helps
Diamox is commonly used to help with acclimatization by improving breathing at altitude. Medical guidance from sources such as the Mayo Clinic and CDC recommends it only under professional advice.
A typical preventative dose:
- 125 mg twice daily, starting 1–2 days before ascent or early in the trek
(always follow medical advice)
Diamox can help, but it never replaces proper acclimatization or descent if symptoms worsen.
Natural remedies, such as garlic soup, ginger tea, and warm fluids, can improve comfort and hydration. However, they do not replace slow ascent, acclimatization days, or descent, especially at higher elevations encountered during Everest Base Camp trekking and Island Peak climbing.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness: What to Watch For
Early Warning Signs (AMS)
- Persistent headache
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Unusual fatigue
- Dizziness
- Poor sleep
If symptoms are mild, do not ascend further until they improve.
Dangerous Symptoms (Medical Emergency)
According to the International Society for Mountain Medicine:
- Breathlessness at rest
- Confusion or unusual behavior
- Poor coordination
- Persistent cough or chest tightness
These require immediate descent and medical attention.
What to Do If You Get Altitude Sickness on the Trail
If symptoms are mild:
- Rest at the same altitude for 24 hours
- Hydrate and eat light, high-carb meals
- Reassess the next morning
If symptoms persist or worsen:
- Descend at least 300–500 meters (1,000–1,640 feet)
No summit, no Base Camp photo, and no peak climb is worth risking your life.
Medical Support on the EBC Trail
The Himalayan Rescue Association clinic in Pheriche, seasonal service, is the most-known medical support point. Some lodges have oxygen or emergency resources, but availability varies, another reason proper insurance is essential.
Daily Habits That Make a Huge Difference
Hydration & Food
- Drink 3–4 liters of fluids daily
- Eat high-carb meals (rice, pasta, potatoes, lentils)
- Snack regularly, appetite often drops at altitude
Dehydration makes AMS worse quickly.
Pace: Slow Beats Strong
Walk with:
- Steady breathing
- Short breaks
- No rushing or racing others
A slow trekker reaches Base Camp more often than a fast trekker who crashes in Dingboche.
Avoid These at Altitude
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Sleeping pills or sedatives
They reduce oxygen efficiency and worsen sleep quality.
Should You Hire a Guide to Reduce AMS Risk?
A good guide helps by controlling the pace of your trek and can help with:
- Monitoring symptoms
- Managing accommodations
- Making tough calls to stop when trekkers want to push on
A knowledgable guide becomes especially important if you plan to combine the trek to Everest Base Camp with climbing Island Peak in Nepal, where acclimatization margins are tighter. If you’re unsure about altitude, hiring a guide is one of the smartest safety upgrades you can make.
Learn From Experience
If there’s one thing experienced Himalayan guides agree on, it’s this: your itinerary matters more than your fitness. You can be strong, fast, and well-trained, but if you rush the ascent, altitude sickness can still catch you off guard.
Rest days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche aren’t optional. They’re essential for a safe Everest Base Camp trek and absolutely critical if you plan to continue on to Island Peak.
Mild AMS is a warning, not something to push through. Severe symptoms are emergencies that require immediate descent. Knowing the difference can prevent serious consequences.
And finally, remember that descending is not failure. It’s smart decision-making. Everest Base Camp, and even Island Peak, are incredible goals, but real success is returning healthy, with clear memories and respect for the mountains that allowed you to experience them.
About the Author
This sponsored article was written by Samita Maharjan of Magical Nepal.
The post Guest Idea: How to Avoid Altitude Sickness on the Everest Base Camp Trek appeared first on Earth911.
https://earth911.com/inspire/guest-idea-how-to-avoid-altitude-sickness-on-the-everest-base-camp-trek/
Read a transcript of this episode. Introducing Sustainability In Your Ear transcripts.
The global food system stands at a crossroads. Climate change is reshaping where crops can grow, trade disputes threaten supply chains, and smallholder farmers who produce much of our food often have the least power in the system. Meet Heather Terry, founder and CEO of GoodSAM Foods, and discover how the company is transforming the traditional smallhold farm model by putting people and regenerative agriculture at the heart of a growing food company. GoodSAM Foods sources 90% of its ingredients directly from smallholder farms in Latin America and Africa, eliminating middlemen and reinvesting profits into farming communities. Terry’s approach is both principled and pragmatic: as climate volatility reduces crop yields globally, the companies that have built genuine relationships with farmers will have access to limited harvests. “When I’m a farmer and I suddenly have leverage, who am I going to sell that product to?” Terry asks. “It’s relationships.”
Terry’s journey to raise $9 million in Series A funding over 18 months illustrates the disconnect between traditional investors and regenerative business models. After facing skepticism from conventional CPG investors, she found success with impact investors who understood that sustainable food systems represent the future of the industry. While GoodSAM maintains USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project verification, Terry takes a critical stance on regenerative certification labels, arguing that current systems impose Global North standards on farmers who have practiced regenerative techniques for generations. Instead, GoodSAM focuses on direct relationships and on-ground verification. Her proactive approach protected both the company and its farming partners from sudden economic shocks at a time when the U.S. food system faces mounting pressures from climate impacts and trade policy changes. “Every time you pick something up off the shelf, you are voting,” Terry said. “You’re sending a signal to a company.”
You can learn more about GoodSAM Foods at goodsamfoods.com.
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Editor’s Note: This episode originally aired on September 22, 2025.
The post Best of SIYE: Heather Terry’s Regenerative Journey At GOODSam Foods appeared first on Earth911.
https://earth911.com/podcast/sustainability-in-your-ear-heather-terry-s-regenerative-journey-at-goodsam-foods/
Aristotle, who saw purpose and design in everything, wrote in several different works that “Nature does nothing in vain.” We reply that regardless of purpose, nature does everything with grace; we are fortunate to witness the miraculous results of 13.4 billion years of experimentation.
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