New research reveals the extent of the glacial retreat in the national park named for glaciers.
"Glacier National Park is losing its namesake glaciers and new research shows just how quickly," writes Andrea Thompson. "Over the past 50 years, 39 of the parks glaciers have shrunk dramatically, some by as much as 85 percent."
All told, only 26 of the 150 glaciers that existed in the park during the 19th century remain, according to a study by U.S. Geological Survey researchers that provide the evidence for the article.
With the retreat of park's glaciers in full effect, it's possible that the lack of glaciers could greatly reduce demand for tourism to the park. Much more sure, however, is the potential impact on local ecosystems that depend on seasonal releases of glacial meltwater. "Summer meltwater helps top up streams that might otherwise run dry and many species are highly adapted to the cold temperatures of the water," explains Thompson.
FULL STORY: Glacier National Park Is Losing Its Glaciers
Under Zinke, Land in Montana Is Still Somehow Protected
Though he’s opened land all over the U.S. to industry, the Interior Secretary is actually pushing to conserve even more of his home state.
Congress Asks that USGS Nominee 'Protect the Scientists'
After recent resignations, there's a new part of the job description: "maintain a sort of firewall between their scientific work and any political agendas."
Sea Level Rise Will Not Be Uniform
As the climate warms, the world's glaciers and ice sheets are melting, but sea level increase will be greater in some places due to the earth's rotation and gravity, according to a newly released study by the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?
In Both Crashes and Crime, Public Transportation is Far Safer than Driving
Contrary to popular assumptions, public transportation has far lower crash and crime rates than automobile travel. For safer communities, improve and encourage transit travel.
Report: Zoning Reforms Should Complement Nashville’s Ambitious Transit Plan
Without reform, restrictive zoning codes will limit the impact of the city’s planned transit expansion and could exclude some of the residents who depend on transit the most.
Judge Orders Release of Frozen IRA, IIJA Funding
The decision is a victory for environmental groups who charged that freezing funds for critical infrastructure and disaster response programs caused “real and irreparable harm” to communities.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service