Tour de France Day 18 analysis and The Alpine Climate Concerns
The beauty of the French Alps captivates us as we watch the Tour de France, we would be remiss if we did not remind you of The Convention on the Protection of the Alps.
But first, here is a link to the winners of Day 17 2009 Tour de France stage 17 results, Frank Schleck wins stage
Here is a report on the beautiful region for Day 18 Visiting Annecy, setting for the 18th stage of the Tour de France
Climate Change in the Alps
The Convention report published this past June reveals that “the northern ranges of the Alps are suffering serious flooding while southern ranges are generally seeing huge reductions in snow fall. As you watch our teams compete, let’s remember that some villages along the scenic route, are concerned. . . .
“Only time will tell how national borders will change and whether climate change will lead to intense battles between tourism and the survival of Alpine villages. The eight Alpine countries – France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Slovenia, and Hungary – are taking action through the Alpine Convention. There may be time and the means to manage and mitigate some of the most extreme effects of climate change in the Alps.” The Alps Divided: National Borders Altered Due to Climate Change
When the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC ) issued its report several years ago, it was clear: “The environmental organisation WWF Switzerland warned that the Alps could be hit by heatwaves and droughts, and called for a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to avoid the worst consequences.
“…According to the WWF, the report contains for the first time specific details on the impact of climate change in Switzerland. For example, flora and fauna more sensitive to the changes in temperature are expected move into higher areas and others, which are less mobile, will reduce in numbers or die out.”
“Small glaciers in Switzerland could disappear altogether while larger, more important ones would shrink between 30 and 70 per cent by 2050. This could result in the formation of large lakes and greater risks of flooding.” Experts_see_bleak outlook
Other headline features that you may wish to read include:
A Prius: the sound and the fury and a bit of Insight
