He’s a scientist and professor at the University of Northern British Columbia who spends his time figuring out how fast our glaciers are melting—and what that means for our water, climate, and communities.
Mount Robson is globally important. Just ask Brian Menounos, a Professor of Geography at the University of Northern British Columbia and Canada Research Chair in Glacier Change. Brian is kind of like Canada’s glacier detective and is internationally recognized for his work studying the Robson Glacier – and the cryosphere across western Canada – to advance our understanding of glacier dynamics and climate change. Using satellites, drones, computer models, and good old-fashioned hiking boots, Dr. Menounos tracks how glaciers are shrinking due to climate change. One of his big discoveries? Western Canada has lost nearly 25% of its glacier ice since 2000. That’s a massive melt! And for this reason, few are better equipped to help us understand the potential impacts of climate change and the complexity of the choices facing a nation in crisis.
What do you think?
- What did you learn from our conversation with Brian?
- Do you now get why studying glaciers is beneficial to society?
- Do you have a new understanding of climate science?
- How has Brian’s research and insights impacted your perspective of climate change?
- Do you think we’re doing a good enough job of weighing the environment and the economy during this time of crisis?
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