The consequences of a warmer 49th state are serious. Much of Alaska’s infrastructure is designed for the cold. A shift of even a few degrees could threaten the stability of everything from pipelines to roads. Costs could add up to well into the billions
Kevin Tibbles and David Douglas– Standing on the Spencer Glacier the term “epic” feels appropriate. Especially when you consider getting to this place requires a train ride, paddling across an almost freezing lake and a lift from a helicopter.
If 4 degrees doesn’t sound like much, consider that the rest of the planet has risen only by 2 degrees in the last 50 years, according to. At Spencer Glacier, that extra 2 degrees has been responsible for nearly 12 inches of surface-ice loss every day and the disappearance of some 100 feet off the glacier’s face each year.
Starting in the 1990s, Alaska began to set high-temperature records three times as frequently as record lows. By 2015, the rate of high-temperature records tripled toJust last summer, Matt Szundy, owner of local outfitter Ascending Path, was able to help his guests onto the glacial ice by foot. In only a winter’s time, walk-on access to Spencer Glacier has been halted because of additional melt.
“I love the aesthetic of what melt water creates, it’s fun to guide on, it’s amazing to experience,” Szundy said. “But the cause of it is heartbreaking for me.” The unusual high-pressure system that’s baked the state has been helped by unusually warm ocean temperatures around Alaska, thanks in part to declining sea ice. Those two factors, added to the well-established long-term warmer weather, have helped make this a record-setting summer.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Love Is a Cold Cocktail in the Middle of Frigid Alaska'What was supposed to be a relaxing weekend in the woods would turn out to be a minor disaster I'll never forget.'
Consulte Mais informação »
https://people.comGet the latest news about celebrities, royals, music, TV, and real people. Find exclusive content, including photos and videos, on PEOPLE.com.
Consulte Mais informação »
Asia Pacific set to trade mixed despite record highs on Wall StreetStocks in Asia Pacific were set to trade mixed on Thursday following record highs touched by the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite overnight on Wall Street.
Consulte Mais informação »