Reflections on Global Warming

Global warming, whether cyclic or caused by human activity, has been a phenomenon observed throughout Earth's history of warming and cooling cycles. However, our human impact appears to be accelerating this warming process, which could significantly affect future climate patterns.

I kneel at the location where the toe of the Athabasca Glacier stood in 1948. Today, the glacier lies several meters (half a mile) behind me. Back in 1848, it extended several meters further, reaching where the visitor’s center now stands. The glacier retreats approximately one mile every century, suggesting that in 400 years, the remaining four mile glacier will be gone.

The Athabasca Glacier is part of the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada, contributing runoff to the valley from six glaciers. It's up to each of us to acknowledge our responsibility in considering how we can mitigate this warming trend.

Global warming: cyclic or human-caused? The choice is yours to make.

-Len Salvatori, June 2024