dwindling snow pack
I’ve been watching this happen for a number of years and wondering why so little discussion of it was going on. Well, ok, not wondering—discussing it means recognizing there’s a problem. That leads to taking action. And when it’s our lifestyles that need adjustment, well, it’s easy to see why the discussion is avoided. We put our heads back in the sand and pretend that global warming isn’t happening, pretend that all the cars (the SUVs, for god’s sake) aren’t destoying our home.
Check out these images (lifted from this article in the Seattle PI).
1928: This photograph shows the South Cascade Glacier, 25 miles east of Darrington, which scientists say has shrunk 40 percent since the last severely cold period 350 years ago. The shrinkage occurred even though the region has experienced enough cold weather to help the glaciers grow.
2000: Only 72 years later, the end of the glacier, which is now being actively monitored, has retreated nearly two-thirds of a mile, and a lake has formed where the toe of the glacier once reached. The glacier’s size reduction is considered significant.
What can we do? Well, we can pay attention to our lifestyles. We can walk, or take the bus, or ride a bike—whatever. But personally I don’t hold out much hope. Most animals are smart enough not to foul their homes. Human beings don’t appear to be that smart.
Maybe the next inteligence to arise on Earth will fare better.
Comments
Rich Tong, Dec 23, 03:25 PM:
Incredibly depressing. I hadn't seen this in the paper, glad you noted it.commenting closed for this article
