QUICK SUMMARY
WWU Geology Professor Doug Clark highlights the retreat of glaciers on Mount Baker, attributed largely to human-induced climate change. Over the past two decades, glaciers have significantly shrunk, with one glacier retreating nearly a quarter mile. The findings emphasize the urgent impact of climate change on local glacial systems.
WWU Geology Professor Doug Clark provides insights into the retreat of glaciers on Mount Baker, a critical issue for the Pacific Northwest. Mount Baker hosts about 12 to 15 glaciers, with significant retreat observed over the last century. Clark explains that the retreat began following the "Little Ice Age" and has accelerated in recent decades due to human-induced climate change. In the last 20 years, one glacier has retreated nearly a quarter mile, highlighting the rapid environmental changes. Additionally, snow accumulation patterns on Mount Baker have shifted, reflecting broader climate trends. Clark’s research emphasizes the need for urgent climate action and policy adjustments to address these changes. The implications of glacier retreat extend beyond local ecosystems, impacting water resources and tourism. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence on climate change’s effects on glacial systems.