Darkening Peaks

Looking up at mountains, people now see bare, dark rock where white snow and ice once stood--dramatic evidence of the accelerating pace of glacier retreat from climate change. This groundbreaking work is the first to provide an integrated, multidisciplinary, global exploration of the scientific, social, and economic dimensions of this phenomenon. Bringing together contributors from five continents,Darkening Peaksdiscusses the ways that scientists have observed and modeled glaciers, tells how climate change is altering their size and distribution, and looks closely at their effect on human life. Glaciers, revered around the world, are important water and energy sources for those living in mountains and adjacent lowlands, and, as they melt, they increase the hazards of flooding and landslides. In addition to investigating these issues and considering an array of possible responses, the contributors assess the cultural and spiritual impact of glacier retreat in this timely, comprehensive work on one of the most urgent and conspicuous consequences of global warming.