Glaciers have existed in Alaska for thousands of years, but now they are shrinking. Studies have shown that since 1994, glaciers in Alaska have lost 75 billion tons of ice each year. Scientists believe it’s due to rising temperatures worldwide.
Earth’s atmosphere is getting hotter because of greenhouse gases. These gases act like a blanket, keeping heat from escaping into space. People create more of these gases by burning fossil fuels.
“The disappearance of the glaciers can have a big impact,” Truffer says. He explains that without the snow, wildlife like Dall sheep are struggling to find food. Animals with white coloring, such as birds called ptarmigan (TAHR-mi-guhn), have become easier for predators to hunt.
But melting glaciers are a problem in more than just these regions. Water from the melting glaciers flows from land into the sea. This causes the sea level to rise. Rising seas could lead to flooding of coastal cities and towns all around the world.
Visiting the glaciers is an experience I’ll never forget. I hope they don’t disappear so that others will always have the chance to experience their beauty for themselves.