An illustration of the loss of polar ice.

The New York Times provides a great interactive graphic showing the loss of Arctic sea ice in the past years. Half of the north pole has simply vanished in the past year. It’s absolutely stunning. I wonder: If the entire north pole melts in the summer of 2008 or 2009, then will climate change deniers admit that we have a problem? Where’s the bar? I suspect that much of the bunch that’s left is like the 28% who support President Bush — reality does not present an obstacle.

Published by Waldo Jaquith

Waldo Jaquith (JAKE-with) is an open government technologist who lives near Char­lottes­­ville, VA, USA. more »

4 replies on “An illustration of the loss of polar ice.”

  1. It may seem strange to recommend a book here, but I’ve got to give in a plug for Kim Stanley Robinson’s climate change trilogy. I’ve only read the first two, but they gave me hope that something could be done, even if it is fiction. Robinson is best known for his trilogy that depicts the terraforming of Mars. This work is much closer to home and traces the efforts of the scientists at the National Science Foundation to redirect their agency to fund projects that mitigate the effects of climate change. The second book traces one scientist’s transformation from cold scientist to an example of “always generous” – there’s a lot in here, and I’m a terrible book reviewer.

    It begins with Forty Signs of Rain.

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