Melting Andean Glaciers Could Leave 30 Million High and Dry

[RedEarth]

WASHINGTON, DC, April 28, 2008 (ENS) - About 99 percent of the Chacaltaya glacier in Bolivia has disappeared since 1940, says World Bank engineer Walter Vergara, in his new report, "The Impacts of Climate Change in Latin America."

One of the highest glaciers in South America, Chacaltaya is one of the first glaciers to melt due to climate change. Although the glacier is over 18,000 years old, it is expected to vanish this year.

"The greenhouse gases are the main driver," says Vergara. "The scientific community has a consensus - this is manmade."

Since 1970, glaciers in the Andes have lost 20 percent of their volume, according to a report by Peru's National Meteorology and Hydrology Service.

Loss of glaciers in the Andes mountain range is threatening the water supply of 30 million people, and scientists say the lower altitude glaciers could disappear in 10 years.

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/apr2008/2008-04-28-01.asp

[JohnWxy]

1. recommended

[pscot]

2. You can right the same story

about the Alps, the Rockies or the Himalayas.