Global study measuring global glacier loss reveals significant melt

According to Glaciologist Dr. Brian Menounos, Professor in UNBC’s Geography program (GEES), “When we think about the end of this century, by and large, most of the ice in the Fraser basin will be gone.” He’s recently published research in the Glacier Mass Balance Intercomparison Exercise (GlaMBIE) alongside peers that found glaciers lost between 2 to 39% of their ice regionally, and about 5% globally between 2000 and 2023.

The gathering of this data involved in-person measurements, and space-born observation methods. It revealed an overall net loss with our local glacial melt rate being relatively quick compared to other areas of the planet. 

Unfortunately, the research does not paint a pretty picture. While we’re familiar with fires and floods, landslides are something our region has not dealt with on a wide scale, and their likelihood increases as the landscape changes. The project offers its data to create predictive models to forecast future consequences we can prepare for.

Photo Credit - UNBC - Dr. Brian Menounos

Congratulations on your Juno Award Nomination, Kym Gouchie!

Following her children’s album release earlier this winter, local musician Kym Gouchie has secured a Juno nomination. This makes her the second Prince George resident to be nominated, the prior nominee being Marcel Gagnon, also a Lheidli T’enneh nation member. 

Shun Beh Nats’ujeh: We Are Healing Through Songs has received praise, and Gouchie is blown away by the recognition that the 16 tracks have received. There were challenges producing the project when illness struck the team, and swelling highs as momentum gained. 

When looking for confidence to continue past obstacles, Gouchie recalls her own childhood and tries to step into a role she may not have had when she was younger. These life experiences and more reflect through the album, “I really pulled from every aspect of who I am, and wanted to convey messages where people can connect regardless of how old they were.”

This year, the Junos will be held on March 30th in Vancouver BC.