As the Ice Melts

All over the world, glaciers are melting. This is not news; however, their continued rapid melting is a stark reminder of the very real and dire effects of global warming. Much (if not most?) of the world's population depends upon glaciers for their drinking water, farming, livestock and industry. With glaciers receding, less fresh water will be available and the ocean level will continue to rise. Glacial melting also harbingers flooding and concomitant disease.

Growing up at the edge of Lake Ontario in New York state, I remember learning in grade school how the Great Lakes were the largest body of freshwater in the world. We were told that someday there would likely be a national water shortage due to less than sound farming practices and that other states would demand water from the Great Lakes. Little did we know that a water shortage would reach beyond our national scope and threaten every corner of life on this planet.

Water is the very essence of life. Without, we cannot survive. Check out this NYTimes story on India's glaciers for more about glacial retreat:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/17/science/earth/17glacier.html?ex=1342411200&en=b931b648bd17c0e2&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink