Tropical glacier disappearing

The Quelccaya ice cap is the largest ice sheet in the tropics and one if its outlet glacers, the Qori Kalis glacier, is fast shrinking due to global warming and the effects of El Nino. There are fears this Peruvian glacier could disappear within just five years as its current retreat rate is 60m yr^-1. The report comes from work conducted by climate scientist, Professor Lonnie Thompson, from Ohio State Univeristy. The image is copied from the BBC web site (link above).

Shifting shores: Adaptation is the answer

The National Trust have published a report 'Shifting Shores' on the effects of coastal flooding and erosion over the next century. The study, conducted by Halcrow, predicts that over 4,000 hectares of Trust land will be at risk of flooding and more than 600km will be subject to erosion. The causes of the predicted flooding and erosion include climate change (especially high tides and severe storms), the ongoing dynamic nature of coastal environments and isostatic rebound. The Trust pledges to take the long term view and adopt a plicy of adaptation rather than defence. This means adapting infrastructure and careful planning for recreation, heritage and wildlife. The full report can be downloaded at: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-shifting_shores.pdf