Bolivian villagers want compensation as glaciers melt

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8629379.stm

Page last updated at 12:08 GMT, Monday, 19 April 2010 13:08 UK

Bolivian villagers want compensation as glaciers melt

By Andres Schipani
BBC News, Khapi

For the Incas, and most of the Andean civilisations, snow-capped mountains were divinities to be honoured, as they supplied water.

But now it seems those gods are losing their powers. Researchers say that the glaciers are in dramatic retreat across the Andes due to rising temperatures.

In the small village of Khapi, below the stunning - and still snow-covered - Mount Illimani, the sense of anxiety is profound.

An idea has taken root there - that those who have caused the snow to retreat and the waters to slow should be brought before an international court.

...