Climate Change & Geologic History at Glacier National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

Sustainable Development Goals and Glacier Recession in Glacier National Park

Introduction

The article titled “Glacier Recession since the Little Ice Age: Implications for Water Storage in a Rocky Mountain Landscape” by Martin-Mikle and Fagre (2019) explores the impact of glacier recession on water storage in Glacier National Park. This report aims to summarize the key findings of the article and highlight the relevance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in addressing this issue.

Background

1. The Neoglaciation period in the northern Rocky Mountains began around 5,300-7,000 years ago and reached its peak during the Little Ice Age (LIA) (Carrara, 1989; Munroe et al., 2012).
2. The LIA, a cold period lasting from approximately 1300 to 1850, was likely triggered by volcanism (Miller et al., 2012).

Anthropogenic Influence on Glacier Retreat

• Initial glacier retreat was attributed to recovery from the LIA, but recent studies have shown increasing anthropogenic influence on glacier retreat (Marzeion et al., 2014).

Climate Drivers for Glacial Dynamics

A study by Pederson et al. (2004) identified decadal-scale climate drivers for glacial dynamics in Glacier National Park.

1. From the mid-1940s to the 1970s, retreat rates slowed due to a cool phase in the North Pacific and relatively mild summer conditions.
2. From the late 1970s to the 1990s, a shift to warmer conditions resulted in continuous, moderate retreat of glaciers in the park (Pederson et al., 2004).

Glacier Retreat and Sea Level Rise

Marzeion et al. (2014) found that only 25% of global glacier mass loss from 1851 to 2010 can be attributed to anthropogenic causes. However, during the period from 1991 to 2010, the anthropogenic signal became detectable, accounting for 69% of global glacier mass loss (Marzeion et al., 2014).

Glacier Retreat in Glacier National Park

A fact sheet by Florentine (2019) highlights the retreat of glaciers in Glacier National Park.

1. At the Last Glacial Maximum, approximately 20,000 years ago, the park was almost entirely covered in ice (Carrara, 1989).
2. Deglaciation of the park region is estimated to have been completed over 10,000 years ago (Carrara, 1993).

The Role of Milankovic Cycles

Grinspoon (2016) discusses the Milankovic cycles, which are intervals of 23,000, 41,000, and 100,000 years that influence climate change.

• Milankovic cycles have a significant impact on the occurrence of ice ages and interglacial periods (Grinspoon, 2016).
• Even if carbon emissions were completely stopped, it would take approximately 100,000 years for the natural carbon cycle to return to preindustrial levels, potentially delaying the onset of the next ice age (Grinspoon, 2016).

Conclusion

The findings of these studies emphasize the importance of addressing glacier recession in Glacier National Park and its implications for water storage. Achieving the SDGs, particularly Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 15 (Life on Land), is crucial in mitigating the anthropogenic factors contributing to glacier retreat and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the park’s ecosystems.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning
   • Target 13.a: Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization as soon as possible
   • Target 13.b: Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing States, including focusing on women, youth, and local and marginalized communities

   The article discusses the retreat of glaciers in the northern Rocky Mountains due to climate change. This issue is directly connected to SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

   The targets under SDG 13 that can be identified based on the article’s content include strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards (Target 13.1), integrating climate change measures into national policies (Target 13.2), improving education and awareness on climate change (Target 13.3), mobilizing financial resources for climate action (Target 13.a), and promoting capacity building in developing countries (Target 13.b).

   No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity
   • Target 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and lakes

   The article discusses the implications of glacier recession on water storage in a Rocky Mountain landscape. This issue is connected to SDG 6, which focuses on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

   The targets under SDG 6 that can be identified based on the article’s content include increasing water-use efficiency and addressing water scarcity (Target 6.4) and protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems (Target 6.6).

   No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: nps.gov

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.