The Everest Obsession

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Is an obsession with Everest creating unnecessary risk for the people who work there?

Rebecca Stephens, the first British woman to reach the summit of Everest in 1993, explores how climbing Everest has changed, creating both opportunities and challenges.

Is a global obsession with Everest creating unnecessary risk for the people who work there? On 18 April 2014, an avalanche killed 16 sherpas on the mountain. They were picking their way through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall carrying heavy equipment for climbing companies. The tragedy shone a spotlight on the commercial side of the mountain, where hundreds attempt the summit each year, supported by sherpas. Rebecca Stephens became the first British woman to reach the summit of Everest in 1993. In this series, she explores how climbing Everest has changed, creating both opportunities and challenges.

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The Everest Obsession: 5. The future of climbing Everest

5. The future of climbing Everest

BBC Radio 4 - The Everest Obsession, 5. The future of climbing Everest

We hear why people still climb to the highest point on Earth and whether it is still one of the greatest adventures

Is a global obsession with Everest creating unnecessary risk for the people who work there? On 18 April 2014, an avalanche killed 16 sherpas on the mountain. They were picking their way through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall carrying heavy equipment for climbing companies. The tragedy shone a spotlight on the commercial side of the mountain, where hundreds attempt the summit each year, supported by sherpas. 
Rebecca Stephens became the first British woman to reach the summit in 1993. 
We hear what draws people to climb Everest now and different ideas about adventure from guests including Sir Chris Bonington, as well as concerns about climate change and overcrowding.  

Presenter: Rebecca Stephens MBE  
Producer: Laura Jones 
Production Assistance in Kathmandu: Pradeep Bashyal
Sound design: Craig Boardman 
Editor: Clare Fordham 
Production Coordinators: Gemma Ashman and Ellie Dover 
Commissioning Executive: Tracy Williams 
Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke

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The Everest Obsession

5. The future of climbing Everest

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