APROPOS the editorial ‘Apocalypse now’ (Aug 31). There is no doubt about global warming, and it should not become a point scoring issue between politicians and countries around the world.

With the rising temperatures the process of glaciers melting and vanishing is a universal fact and is happening all around the world with more rapid pace than ever before.

I recently visited the Athabasca Glacier situated at the Columbia ice field which is one of the few places where you can experience time travel of a sort with snow ‘rivers’ moving slow. According to one study reported in the Canadian press back in 2014 this glacier is melting and receding at a speed of about 5 metres a year. The melting process has been continuing for about 150 years as per the records maintained by scientists.

Every year stakes are put in place and next year when they are measured, the level is down by about five metres.This is really astonishing.

I have been visiting this glacier in the summers for about 20 years and every time when I am there, I feel two things which significantly make me think seriously. One the comparatively warmer temperatures and the other is the receding line of the glacier.

This year in particular, I was stunned with the swiftness of this melting process which has picked up speed now. I also interviewed the tour guide who explained in general terms how this glacier is slowly but steadily vanishing.

There is a hope that governments around the world take care of this sooner than later because this is the time to act.

At the very least we need to slow down this melting process by taking appropriate measures in the wake of oil production, coal-based fuel generation and gas fuel-based transportation — all producing green house gases.

The gloom is very real and present and this was the first time I came back with worries rather than good memories of this trip. It is a worry for this generation as well as generations to come.

Anas A. Khan
Edmonton AB, Canada

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2019