Yukon glaciers and what they say about climate change | In-Depth

Summary

This documentary explores the Kaskawulsh Glacier in the St. Elias Mountains, revealing the dramatic impacts of climate change. Glaciologist Gwenn Flowers and her team employ ice-penetrating radar to measure glacier thinning, observing a loss of half a meter of ice annually. As the glacier melts, it affects local rivers and ecosystems, with Kluane Lake experiencing significant water level declines. Local communities, including the Kluane First Nation, face changes in fishing and hunting areas. The urgency of understanding and addressing these environmental shifts highlights Canada's responsibility as a steward of a significant portion of the world's glaciers.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The Slims River in Yukon has been drastically affected by climate change, with its water source shifting due to glacial retreat.
• ❄️ The Kaskawulsh Glacier, a major glacier in the St. Elias Mountains, is losing about half a meter of ice per year.
• 📉 Glaciers act as important indicators of climate change, showing long-term trends despite short-term fluctuations in weather.
• 🚨 Human activities have contributed to 70% of the mass loss in small glaciers and ice caps over the last two decades.
• 🏞️ Canada is home to approximately 35% of the world's glaciers and ice caps, making it crucial for Canadians to take responsibility for their stewardship.
• 🌊 The Kaskawulsh Glacier has shifted its water flow, leaving the Slims River basin drier and affecting local ecosystems.
• 🧊 The melting of glaciers is not just an environmental issue but also impacts local communities reliant on these water sources for fishing and cultural practices.
• 🌡️ Yukon has experienced a temperature increase of 2 degrees Celsius over the past 50 years, with further warming expected.
• 📈 Parks Canada has reported a 20% decrease in glacier coverage in Kluane National Park, highlighting unprecedented changes in a short timeframe.
• 🎥 Scientists are using time-lapse cameras to monitor glacier changes, emphasizing the need for increased public awareness and scientific priority in Arctic research.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Kaskawulsh Glacier in relation to climate change?

The Kaskawulsh Glacier is significant because it serves as a key indicator of climate change, showing dramatic thinning and loss of ice at an alarming rate, which reflects broader global warming trends.

How is the ice-penetrating radar system used by Gwenn Flowers' team?

The ice-penetrating radar system sends radio pulses through the ice, which are then reflected off the bedrock beneath the glacier and recorded to measure the ice's depth.

What percentage of mass loss from small glaciers and ice caps is attributed to human activity?

Human activity is responsible for about 70% of the mass loss from small glaciers and ice caps over the last two decades.

How does the melting of glaciers impact local rivers and lakes?

As glaciers melt, they alter the flow of glacial water to rivers, causing changes in river dynamics and reducing water levels in lakes, such as Kluane Lake, which is now significantly lower than normal.

What are the implications of the Kaskawulsh Glacier's retreat for future water resources?

The retreat of the Kaskawulsh Glacier has serious implications for water resources, especially for regions that rely on glacial melt for irrigation and drinking water, as it may lead to water shortages in the future.

Why do scientists consider glaciers to be 'fantastic barometers of climate change'?

Glaciers average out climate signals over time, providing a long-term perspective on temperature changes, making them reliable indicators of global warming.

What evidence is there of changing water levels in Kluane Lake?

Evidence of changing water levels in Kluane Lake includes reports from locals that the lake is now eight to ten feet lower than usual, impacting fishing and boating activities.

What are the potential consequences of not addressing climate change, according to the scientists interviewed?

If climate change is not addressed, glaciers will continue to retreat, leading to catastrophic effects on ecosystems and water supplies for millions of people reliant on glacial melt.

What role do the scientists believe Canada has in glacier stewardship?

Scientists believe Canada has a responsibility to steward its glaciers, as it holds about 35% of the world's mountain glaciers and ice caps, making it crucial to understand and protect these resources.

What strategies are scientists using to monitor glacier changes?

Scientists are using strategies such as setting up time-lapse cameras and conducting fieldwork to monitor and document the changes occurring in glaciers over time.