The Athabasca Expedition team has returned from the first phase of their two-month trip with a wake-up call to all Canadians regarding the threat global warming poses to the source of Athabasca River - the Columbia Icefield.
"We're stunned by how much the Athabasca Glacier has receded," said Don Van Hout, Expedition Leader, who was able to witness the recession first hand. "The change in the glacier, when comparing the historic photos with what we witnessed with our own eyes, is alarming," says Van Hout.
Studies have predicted that temperature increases due to global warming will contribute to the melting of glaciers that help supply the headwaters of some of the major rivers in Alberta, like the Athabasca River.1 The projected rate of water use from the Athabasca River by oilsands mining projects will only add to the problem of declining river flow. According to a recent study by World Wildlife Fund Canada, annual runoff of the Athabasca River has already declined by 20 per cent over the last 45 years and could decline by as much as 30 per cent under 2°C global warming.
"Glaciers can be viewed as the canary in the coal mine," said Marlo Raynolds, Pembina Executive Director. "Global warming may be a significant factor in glacier recession. We need to wake up to the fact that Canadians need to take action now if we want to protect one of Canada's greatest heritage rivers and the water supply to many northern Alberta communities."
Today marks the end of the first leg of the Athabasca Expedition: Connecting the Drops, a two-month journey traversing the 1538 kilometre length of the Athabasca River. The expedition team traveled to the source of the Athabasca River, the Columbia Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield to view this mountain water source.
The expedition team continues their journey with a four-to five-week canoeing expedition that will reach the Peace-Athabasca Delta in August.
Along the way, the expedition will raise awareness about one of Canada's most historic and significant watersheds - which encompasses glaciers and boreal forest threatened by global climate change, rapidly expanding oilsands developments, and one of the largest inland freshwater deltas in the world.
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[1] Griffith, M. et al. 2007. Troubled Waters, Troubling Trends. Pembina Institute, p.14; TroubledW_Full.pdf
ADVISORY/For more information:
Danielle Droitsch, Expedition Media Coordinator
Cell: 403-678-7964
Don Van Hout, Expedition Leader
The Pembina Institute
Cell: 403-390-1220
Marlo Raynolds, Executive Director
The Pembina Institute
Cell: 403-607-9427
Photos of Don Van Hout at the Columbia Icefield are available to download at www.connectingthedrops.ca.
Journalists are invited to join us for sections of the trip or meet with us at planned stops along the river for interviews and photo opportunities.
NEXT:
July 1: Canada Day at Old Fort Point
Join us to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of Jasper National Park.
The expedition team will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Jasper National Park. The team will make a short presentation on how glacier recession, exacerbated by global climate change negatively impacts water supply and river flows to the Athabasca River. The glaciers in Jasper National Park have receded significantly over the past few decades.
For more information, contact Danielle Droitsch, Expedition Media Coordinator
403-678-7964