Kargel, J.S., Alho, P., Buytaert, W., Célleri, R., Cogley, J.G., Dussaillant, A., Guido, Z., Haeberli, W., Harrison, S., Leonard, G., Maxwell, A., Meier, C., Poveda, G., Reid, B., Reynolds, J., Portocarrero Rodríguez, C.A., Romero, H. and Schneider, J. (2012) Glaciers in Patagonia: Controversy and prospects. Eos, Transactions American Geophysical Union, 93 (22). p. 212. ISSN 2324-9250 (Online) (doi:https://doi.org/10.1029/2012EO220011)

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Abstract

Lately, glaciers have been subjects of unceasing controversy. Current debate about planned hydroelectric facilities—a US$7- to $10-billion megaproject—in a pristine glacierized area of Patagonia, Chile [Romero Toledo et al., 2009; Vince, 2010], has raised anew the matter of how glaciologists and global change experts can contribute their knowledge to civic debates on important issues. There has been greater respect for science in this controversy than in some previous debates over projects that pertain to glaciers, although valid economic motivations again could trump science and drive a solution to the energy supply problem before the associated safety and environmental problems are understood. The connection between glaciers and climate change—both anthropogenic and natural—is fundamental to glaciology and to glaciers' practical importance for water and hydropower resources, agriculture, tourism, mining, natural hazards, ecosystem conservation, and sea level [Buytaert et al., 2010; Glasser et al., 2011]. The conflict between conservation and development can be sharper in glacierized regions than almost anywhere else. Glaciers occur in spectacular natural landscapes, but they also supply prodigious exploitable meltwater.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	glacier, glacial hazards, hydroelectric power, climate change
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GB Physical geography G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science
Related URLs:	Publisher
Last Modified:	14 Oct 2016 09:29
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/12459

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