The Fjords of Chile
If you have ever journeyed along the Inside Passage on the central coast of British Columbia and up into Alaska, or if you have cruised the fjords of Norway, then you will have an inkling of what the southern coast of Chile looks like.
Glacier on the southern coast of Chile Glaciation carved these fjords and we had a chance to see some of the glacial tongues that come down from the peaks to meet the sea. As in many parts of the world though the glaciers in southern Chile are retreating rapidly. Whether it is due to human caused climate change (global warming) or due to one of the planet’s natural cycles of warming and cooling … or a combination of both I am not sure. But, I am one who prefers to follow the precautionary principle… if we don’t know for sure let’s do whatever we can to change the trend!
If you are curious to learn about climate change I encourage you to check out a number of sources. You can look at the Environment Canada website, you can read Global Greenhouse written by Greg Cairns, BCIT’s Environmental Education Coordinator, on Catt-Trax2 Global Connections (under Global Warming). I would also highly recommend you watch the movie 'An Inconvenient Truth' (now available on DVD) and check out the associated website at www.climatecrisis.net.Some of you might be thinking, and rightly so, does your journey not contribute to climate change (with all of the traveling you are doing)? And the answer is yes. However, I am pleased to be able to say that one of the supporters of Catt-Trax 2, Eagle Eye Tours based on Edmonton, Alberta, Canada is making my journey ‘carbon neutral’.
I look forward to learning more about the effects of climate change here in the southern hemisphere when I reach Antarctica in early March.
Hello Gunna!
And thank you so much for your message (and I aplogize for my late reply). I am now in Argentina after a fabulous visit to Antarctica. We were able to get below the Antarctica Circle (66.5 degrees South) because the ice was more open this year than in previous years. As you say, things are changing the world over and in particular the ice in both the Arctic and in Antarctica. I hope your winter in Iceland has been a good one... and thank you for your message and words of support.
Danny
Danny, I agree that the benefit of this journey far outweighs the cost (in terms of carbon). If it really bothers you, carbon offsets can be purchased. Usually, it involves paying a foundation to plant a number of trees to offset the amount of carbon output.
http://www.climatefriendly.com/offset-air.php
Many thanks for that URL D'Arcy. I hope some of the folks following the journey have taken the time to check out the Climate Friendly website. I am very pleased that Eagle Eye Tours in Edmonton have offered to make my journey 'Carbon Neutral' by doing exactly as you describe. Thanks again for your post.
Cheers, Danny
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