Letter

Climate conclusion faulty

In school, we learn that nature is orderly and predictable: energy cannot be created or destroyed, water boils at 100 degrees Celsius. Those who continue the study of science soon find out that the world is full of exceptions.

Randy Mann’s article (“Expanding glacier,” Voices, Aug. 6) insinuates that the growth of the Hubbard Glacier contradicts reports that glaciers worldwide are shrinking (presumably due to global climate change). Mr. Mann has shown skepticism concerning climate change in the past.

Yes, the Hubbard Glacier and others in Alaska are growing. This has nothing to do with the presence or absence of global climate change. Due to geography, these glaciers have small areas where they lose ice, and the fjords they empty into are shallow, causing less ice loss. The USGS says these glaciers are “not responsive to climate change.” Hubbard Glacier actually retreated during the “Little Ice Age” while glaciers worldwide grew.

The lesson: Glaciers and global climate are complicated. These few growing glaciers do not shed doubt on climate predictions that are based on extensive global data. Mr. Mann’s story was poorly researched and made a faulty conclusion based on one piece of data.

Peter O’Brien

Spokane