O.7. Receding Glaciers-A Symptom of Global Climate Change
Over the past 150 years, Glacier National Park has witnessed a significant decline in glaciers, dropping from 147 to only 37 today. Scientists project that these remaining glaciers are likely to melt by 2030, mirroring a global trend observed in the Himalayas and Alps. The use of satellite remote sensors has become crucial for efficiently monitoring the approximately 160,000 glaciers in Polar Regions and high mountain environments.
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Impact of Glacial Retreat
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Water Supplies
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- The retreat of glaciers in the Andes and Himalayas poses a potential threat to water supplies.
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Climate Change Effects
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- Variations in temperature and snowfall, altering the mass balance of glaciers, are attributed to climate change.
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Regional Impact
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- The glaciated mountain chains, like the Himalayas, play a crucial role in supplying water to dry countries such as Mongolia, western China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The loss of these glaciers would significantly impact the region’s ecosystem.
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Global Warming Concerns
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- Leading scientists warn that global warming poses a serious threat to the national and global economy, as well as the environment.
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Challenges for Vulnerable Countries
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- Poor and low-lying countries will face difficulties coping with the damages caused by changing climate and rising sea levels.
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