Glacier Experts Coming to Golden

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
January 21, 2010

GLACIER EXPERTS COMING TO GOLDEN

Free presentation on state of local glaciers

(Golden) – Join scientists and researchers from across Canada for a free evening of information on the state of glaciers in the Columbia Basin. The event, hosted by Columbia Basin Trust (CBT), will be held in Golden on Monday, February 1 at the Golden Civic Centre starting at 7 p.m.

“We know there have been substantial changes to the glaciers in our region,” said Kindy Gosal, CBT Director, Water and Environment. “This presentation is part of our commitment to the people who live in this Basin to share the latest science and information about how glaciers are changing and what impact this may have on local water resources.”

Local glaciers act as frozen reservoirs of freshwater and contribute up to half of late-summer river flows in some watersheds in the Columbia Basin. The study of glaciers can help predict what changes in the climate could mean for the future of local fresh water supplies.

“Climate research suggests that local glaciers are already receding and will continue to do so,” said Gosal, noting that the Bull River watershed in the East Kootenay lost 60 per cent of total ice area based on a 15-year period ending in 2000. “These changes will impact people living in this region.”

CBT is taking the lead and is working with a range of partners to increase awareness, help reduce emissions and support communities to adapt to the expected changes. In collaboration with academics and climate change scientists, CBT has developed several technical reports and summaries which outline expected local changes in temperature and precipitation, including warmer winters, drier summers and melting glaciers. View these reports at www.cbt.org/climatechange.

Guest speakers for the event include:

Brian Menounos, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, University of Northern British Columbia

Garry Clarke, Ph.D, Professor Emeritus, Glaciology, Earth and Ocean Sciences Department, University of British Columbia

Shawn Marshall, Ph.D, Associate Professor, Canadian Research Chair in Climate Change, Department of Geography, University of Calgary

John W. Pomeroy, Ph.D, Professor, Canada Research Chair in Water Resource and Climate Change, Department of Geography, University of Saskatchewan

Bob Sandford, Chair, United Nations Water for Life Decade

Visit www.cbt.org/climatechange to learn more about CBT-supported climate change initiatives including, the Kootenay Carbon Neutral Strategy, Communities Adapting to Climate Change, CBT Corporate Emission Reduction, as well as suggestions for ways residents can reduce their carbon footprint.

CBT delivers economic, social, and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit www.cbt.org or call 1-800-505-8998.

NEWS RELEASE

-30-

For more information contact:
Rachel Lucas
Communications
Columbia Basin Trust
1.800.505.8998
rlucas@cbt.org

Glacial Poster :: Posted on: 2010-01-26 - downloadPress Release :: Posted on: 2010-01-26 - download