Briefs, January 25, 2013
Climate change has shrunk Andean glaciers between 30 and 50 per cent since the 1970s and could melt many of them away altogether in coming years, according to a study published in the journal The Cryosphere.
LIMA, Peru - Climate change has shrunk Andean glaciers between 30 and 50 per cent since the 1970s and could melt many of them away altogether in coming years, according to a study published in the journal The Cryosphere. Andean glaciers, a vital source of fresh water for tens of millions of South Americans, are retreating at their fastest rates in more than 300 years, according to the most comprehensive review of Andean ice loss so far. The researchers also warned that future warming could totally wipe out the smaller glaciers found at lower altitudes. Reuters
MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin said that revolts in Syria and Libya had unleashed instability in the Middle East and Africa that had exacted a "tragic toll" in last week's militant attack on a gas plant in Algeria. Putin said the United States and its Nato allies had sacrificed stability to their political ambitions in the Middle East and North Africa, often playing into the hands of radical Islamists. "The Syrian conflict has been raging for almost two years now. Upheaval in Libya, accompanied by the uncontrolled spread of weapons, contributed to the deterioration of the situation in Mali," Putin said. Reuters