Just because we can climb Everest... does it mean we should? Peak XV dives into this very question, curiously addressing the impact that climbers have on Mount Everest while they summit our sacred peak. My inspiration for this project came from my love for the outdoors, and what outdoor space is more well known than Mount Everest? As the highest point on Earth, Everest serves as a lifelong goal for many people who seek great challenges. However, the more visitors that this mountain sees, the more wear is put on the environment. Climbing Everest is not an easy task, and dangerous too, requiring months of preparation and dedication. On the other hand, should we be restricting all access to the peak purely because it is dangerous? Can we do more to protect the land while climbing? This brings us back to the ever challenging question: should we be allowing people to climb Everest? Where do YOU stand?

Candace Boyce