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How do glaciated landscapes have value?, How are glaciated landscapes…
How do glaciated landscapes have value?
Economic
Tourism
In some glaciated landscape towns, tourism is the only form of income that is stable, and so is the foundation of their economy.
Oil
Large reserves of oil are present in glaciated landscapes that are worth millions of USD to the economy
HEP
Provides substatial meltwater for HEP, which reduces a countries reliance on oil and provides a steady flow of electricity into the national grid.
Environmental
Biodiversity
Habitat for thousands of species that are fast growing extinct
Albedo and climate management
Ice reflects Solar radiation and reduces the heat intake of the earths surface
Meltwater River source
Glaciers and ice caps hold almost 70% of the earths freshwater
Cultural
Indigenous habitat and hunting
Gwich’ in people and other Inuit people have lived there for thousands of years, and have built tradition that relies on the animals and landscape that is provided in the arctic circle.
How are glaciated landscapes managed today
Antarctica
1959 Antarctic treaty of all regions south of 60ºS.
60 countries have signed representing 88% of world population.
Covers 4 major agreements
Conservation of flora and fauna
Conservation of seals
Conservation of marine living resources
Environmental protection
50 years old considered highly successful but there are calls to take it further, e.g. greenpeace’s world park concept
COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION
ANWR
Yosemite
National Park
Over 5 Million visitors come every year in cars.
There is accommodation for 16,000 over nighters.
Management Problems
Degradation of the natural vegetation with habitat fragmentation especially in the main Yosemite valey
Invasion by alien plant species
Frequent occurrence of wildfires, some started by people
Traffic congestion from visitors resulting in atmospheric pollution, for example, along glacier point road
A major brown bear problem - they raid the garbage bins on the campsites
Overcrowding by cars and ‘selfie taking’ tourists at the most beautiful views overlooking the waterfalls, with eroded trails.
Many groups oppose 'visitor management' as it could involve plans to control access for recreation and tourism to certain sites at particular times. Visitors tend to resist plans aimed at dispersing them away from iconic vistas, and they quickly voice their discontent through social media channels.
Conflict of interests by management groups ranging from environmental groups who favour protectionist strategies vs commercial enterprises at curry village who favour unfettered tourism access,
Arctic
Lacks a similar overarching treaty system to the Antarctic
Involves multiple countries with territories and indigenous populations
Faces emerging geopolitical tensions over new sea routes and resources from melting sea ice
Arctic council facilitates cooperation but has limited regulatory powers
Many argue a strengthened treaty-based organisation is needed to manage: arctic territorial claims, resource rights, conservation, shipping.
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
How are glaciated landscapes under threat?
Tourism
Polar
Expeditions to the Arctic disrupt biodiversity, reducing hunt for Inuit people who rely on Seals and Whales who are becoming sparse
Expeditions to the Antarctic bringing thousands of people to the South Pole each year. There is a case of Moss which has travelled with tourists all the way from the arctic which is invading the land. This affects biodiversity as it brings in an invasive species which may overtake native.
Periglacial
Wintersports brings millions of $ each year and requires the constant management of slopes. This requires land and energy for lifts and enough space for skiing and snowboarding. This affects habitat and reduces biodiversity.
Relict
People come to see the evidence left behind by glaciers, and require lots of clear space and public footpaths. Footpath erosion leads to land degradation and the mistreating from the public results in littering left behind.
Climate change
Increased net ablation
Increased temperatures accelerates ice melt and decreases glacial internal pressure. This leads to more meltwater and faster glacial movement resulting in more calving etc.
Reduced albedo where less radiation is reflected
As the global temperature increases, ice melts and there is less light; reflective surface that can reflect solar radiation. Instead it is replaced by darker Ocean surfaces which absorb radiation and create a negative feedback loop.
Resource Exploitation
Oil
There are large reserves of oil in the ANWR which is valued US$150B-$300B. Currently it is not being exploited but there is a possibility that it may be when the Presedential Position changes.
Land
Large parts of Glaciated landscapes are exploited for agriculture. For example, the Lake District where almost every acre is taken up by sheep farming.