Mountains are extremely sensitive to global climate change. More extreme changes are predicted in highlands over time than at lower elevations. Experts predict that for every degree of warming in lowland areas, mountain regions will warm an average of 1.8 degrees. In mountains worldwide glaciers and snowfields are retreating faster than predicted. Droughts, floods and landslides are more frequent. Pathogens and exotic species are appearing at higher elevations. Ecosystem and human health, along with crops and livestock, are at risk. Mountain communities need help adapting to rapid change. We all need for mountain ecosystems to be healthy so that they can buffer the effects of climate change on water resources and serve as refuges for species on the move.