The Last Winter: The Scientists, Adventurers, Journeymen, and Mavericks Trying to Save the World

The climate is warming, and travel writer Porter Fox examines the shocking consequences of this rise in temperature. Looking at the essential reservoirs of water secured in the wintry snowpack and ancient glaciers, the author travels and meets with specialists studying the effects of diminished snow and thawing glacial ice.

From the northwest, through Alaska, into the Alps, and finally, on to Greenland, he interviews the scientists engaged in studying the history and current revelations that vanishing snow and ice cores offer about the past climate and the prevailing present conditions that will affect this ecosystem. As he determinedly skis through this investigative adventure, the author laments how this wintry exposure is likely to disappear for the younger generation.

He cites the research of glaciologists and snow scientists, who explain high-rising waters, changed polar habitats, forest fires, desertification, and further problems that will lead to flooding, species death, agricultural havoc, food loss, and other severe consequences. His includes vignettes concerning the diverse personalities of the dedicated researchers involved in this critical issue of water loss.

This is a chilling account that should interest and concern all readers.