Glacier retreat: reviewing the limits of human adaptation to climate change

Source: Environment, vol.51,no.3 May 2009
"This article discusses the environmental impact of glacial melt. The relationship between melting glaciers and changing human ecology in mountainous regions is described. The relationship between glacier retreat and sea level rises is addressed. Risks of flooding in low lying coastal areas and below the basins of glacial lakes are assessed. Adaptations to the melting of glaciers in countries including Norway, Switzerland, and Italy are considered. Changes in the hydrology of countries that depend on glacial meltwater for agriculture and hydropower such as Nepal and Peru are also assessed."