DATELINE: JUNEAU, Alaska, April 18, 2008 – Montpelier, Vermont is known as one of the most picturesque capital cities in America. Having lived near there for almost 3 years in the 1980’s, I can attest that Montpelier’s reputation for natural splendor is very well earned. However, the tiny capital with the golden dome pales by comparison with Juneau, Alaska, located on the historic Marine highway.
Another key difference between these cities is that millennia ago, Montpelier sat atop a glacier. Juneau sits near one today, the Mendenhall Glacier, just a 20-minute drive from the center of town.
For decades, glacier and icecap science activities have been relatively convenient for researchers and tourists alike. Now, they are downright treacherous because of the record melting underway there. In recent years, Alaska has seen summertime high temperatures at or above 95° Fahrenheit and now Juneau has begun to pay the price.
A series of highly disruptive avalanches triggered in part by global warming has caused massive damage to the Snettisham Hydroelectric Facility outside Juneau, knocking out electrical service for most of the capital city. Although emergency systems came online quickly, they consist mostly of diesel and gasoline-powered generators. These systems are dirty compared with modern power plants and much more expensive.
The result? Prices for electricity already have tripled and will stay that way through the summer.
When we think about the effects of global warming, it is natural to focus on wildlife. They, indeed, suffer more than their fair share from our arrogance and unsustainable energy practices. However, glacier and icecap science activities tell us that people all over the global are in jeopardy of profound impacts, too.
Only together can we solve the crisis and only together can we unify our efforts to provide food and shelter for the millions of environmental refugees who will be displaced as disruptive avalanches worsen worldwide.
Sustainable Justice For All!
Corbett Kroehler
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