Glacier protection laws: Potential conflicts in managing glacial hazards and adapting to climate change |
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Authors: | Pablo Iribarren Anacona Josie Kinney Marius Schaefer Stephan Harrison Ryan Wilson Alexis Segovia Bruno Mazzorana Felipe Guerra David Farías John M. Reynolds Neil F. Glasser |
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Affiliation: | 1.Instituto de Geografía,Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso,Valparaíso,Chile;2.Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra,Universidad Austral,Valdivia,Chile;3.Robert D. Clark Honors College,University of Oregon,Eugene,USA;4.Bend,USA;5.Instituto de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas,Universidad Austral,Valdivia,Chile;6.Department of Geography,University of Exeter,Penryn,UK;7.College of Life and Environmental Sciences,University of Exeter,Exeter,UK;8.Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, Institute of Geography, History, Politics and Psychology,Aberystwyth University,Aberystwyth,Wales, UK;9.Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Conservación de la Naturaleza,Universidad de Chile,Santiago,Chile;10.Observatorio Ciudadano,Temuco,Chile;11.Institute of Geography and Geosciences,University of Erlangen-Nürnberg,Erlangen,Germany;12.Reynolds International Ltd,Mold,UK |
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Abstract: | The environmental, socioeconomic and cultural significance of glaciers has motivated several countries to regulate activities on glaciers and glacierized surroundings. However, laws written to specifically protect mountain glaciers have only recently been considered within national political agendas. Glacier Protection Laws (GPLs) originate in countries where mining has damaged glaciers and have been adopted with the aim of protecting the cryosphere from harmful activities. Here, we analyze GPLs in Argentina (approved) and Chile (under discussion) to identify potential environmental conflicts arising from law restrictions and omissions. We conclude that GPLs overlook the dynamics of glaciers and could prevent or delay actions needed to mitigate glacial hazards (e.g. artificial drainage of glacial lakes) thus placing populations at risk. Furthermore, GPL restrictions could hinder strategies (e.g. use of glacial lakes as reservoirs) to mitigate adverse impacts of climate change. Arguably, more flexible GPLs are needed to protect us from the changing cryosphere. |
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