How Climate Change Is Reshaping the Wilderness at Denali
In How Climate Change Is Reshaping the Wilderness at Denali, host Simon Reeve and pilot Lea explore how climate change is reshaping one of the most untouched wilderness areas. With breathtaking views of Mount Denali, the tallest peak in North America, and the massive 35-mile-long Ruth Glacier, they uncover the shocking impact of rising temperatures — new lakes forming where glaciers once stood. He also learns the Arctic is heating up almost twice as fast as the rest of the planet because of global warming. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The Americas With Simon Reeve, in which Simon Reeve explores the landscapes, cultures, and wildlife of North and South America.
Lesson Express
Q: How does the rapid warming of the Arctic as compared with the rest of the world impact ecosystems like Denali National Park? Discuss both immediate and long-term effects on the wildlife and environment.
A: The rapid warming in the Arctic accelerates glacier melting, leading to habitat loss for species that depend on icy environments, such as wolves and moose. Over time, new ecosystems like lakes may form, altering the natural balance. These changes can disrupt food chains, force wildlife to adapt or relocate, and even contribute to rising sea levels, affecting global ecosystems
Q: Why do you think Lea emphasizes the changes she has seen over just 15 years of flying in Denali? How does her perspective as a local pilot add to the credibility and urgency of the message about climate change?
A: Lea’s 15 years of firsthand observation highlight the dramatic and rapid nature of environmental changes in Denali, making the issue more relatable and immediate. Her role as a local pilot, frequently witnessing these shifts, lends credibility and urgency, showing that these changes are not hypothetical or distant but happening now in real-time.
Q: If nearly 9 trillion tons of glacier ice have been lost globally over the past century, what might this suggest about the long-term impact of human activity on Earth's climate systems?
A: This significant ice loss suggests that human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation have contributed greatly to global warming. The scale of the damage shows that human-induced changes can have profound and lasting effects, stressing the need for immediate action to reduce our environmental footprint.
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