Pontifical Academy of Sciences

This very short pamphlet provides a quick overview of the problems associated with the retreat of mountain glaciers associated with our warming planet. Of specific concern is the lower spring and summer water runoff which is critical to many people around the world. Being only fifteen pages, this booklet provides only a brief discussion of the problems, the causes, and general recommendations for actions by government decision makers and individuals.

Short as it may be, it does provide food for thought, and does point out problems with a gradually warming planet. But the science is so complex and there are so many factors involved, so it really doesn't provide much more than an introduction to the topic of global warming. Anyone seeking a more complete understanding of the topic will have to go beyond this short booklet. But a recognition of what happens when glaciers or mountain snow pack shrink is important. The number of people who rely on rivers and streams for drinking water, agriculture, irrigation is enormous. The on-going drought in California in the winter of 2013 has been in the national news, and without adequate winter snow pack in the mountains in the West, Southwest water sources such as the Colorado River will be unable to provide the demands of agriculture and cities in the area. And thinking globally, consider that almost one-sixth of the world's population use water from Asia's eleven largest rivers, (the Indus, the Ganges, the Brahmaputra, the Yangtze, the Mekong, the Yellow River, etc.) many of which have their source in the Himalaya - Hindu Kush region. So as glaciers retreat, as studies show is occurring, and water runoff is reduced, you begin to realize how widespread this issue truly can be. So it is a problem which will have to be addressed, and that starts with recognition.
… (mer)

This is a short report, just seventeen pages, from a body whose existence many did not suspect: the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. The Working Group reviewed the scientific evidence on one particular piece of the global warming problem, the effect on mountain glaciers. Mountain glaciers are important because seasonal melt-off is an important source of water for communities downslope from those glaciers. The short-term effect of increased melting and the retreat of the glaciers from their former extent is more water downstream. The longer-term effect, unfortunately, is the loss of the water sources these communities rely on. The potential for suffering and disruption is high.

What to do? The Working Group argues that we need to take global warming, and human involvement in it, seriously, and immediately commit to serious, effective actions to limit the total temperature rise to no more than 2 degrees Celsius. In addition, they argue that we need to begin working on methods of mitigation and adaption to cope with the climate change effects that can't be avoided.

This paper lays out concisely and clearly why human-caused climate change is important, how urgently we need to act, and in what ways.

Highly recommended.

It is available for free download in pdf format here: http://environment.ucla.edu/news/article.asp?parentid=11518
… (mer)