Global Warming in the Pacific Northwest

The signs of global warming are gradually appearing in the Northwest of North America. Measurements taken by University of Washington scientists, since the 1950's, show that glaciers are shrinking in the region, some by as much as a third of their water volume. Mild winters and hotter, drier summers have promoted a massive infestation of British Columbia's forests by the mountain pine beetle.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer columnist, Joel Connelly, notes a lack of willingness to acknowledge the problem. Many feel it is global problem beyond their control. Generally political leaders in the U.S. are reluctant to deal with the topic. Washington State is currently debating joining the seven states that have enacted emission control standards tougher than the national levels.

Should residents of the Northwest be concerned? Many in the region rely on melt water from glaciers. It supplies municipal reservoirs, irrigates agricultural lands and passes through dams providing electricity. The pine beetle infestation has devastated forests in the zone. The remaining dead forests are a severe wildfire hazard. Assuming the warming trend will continue, dealing with climate change issues may be vital to the region's future.

Link: In the Northwest: We must wake up to realities of global warming from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 4:29 PM on March 10, 2005

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