This project explores the dramatic loss of glaciers across different global regions over time and its correlation with rising carbon emissions. By visualizing glacier mass loss, the project highlights the fragility of glaciers and the urgency of addressing climate change. The visualization will show the shrinking of glaciers over time, using interactive features to allow users to explore regional differences, loss rates, and the link between CO2 emissions and glacier retreat.
Screen Recording 2024-12-09 at 23.33.40.mov
Water flows into Warwan Valley from the Kashmir Himalaya in northwest India. — Credit: kpradeep/Flickr
Glaciers are vital to the Earth’s freshwater supply, and their loss has far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human populations.
Inspired by the Dendrochronology of U.S. Immigration 1790-2016, I want to create a visualization with the visual metaphor of crystal snowflakes to illustrate glacier retreat across regions and time. This topic is driven by my passion for environmental issues, particularly the impact of climate change, and the need for accessible, engaging data visualizations to raise awareness.
The World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) has meticulously tracked changes in glacier mass over decades. By examining data from WGMS, we can observe a clear pattern of glacier retreat across regions like the Alps, Andes, and Himalayas, which highlights regional variability in the impact of climate change.
👉 Reference Used: WGMS Global Glacier State
Purpose: This source provides data on glacier mass balance and trends, enabling a comprehensive analysis of regional and temporal variations in glacier melting.
👉 Reference Used: Our World in Data: CO2 Emissions
Purpose: This source helps establish a link between human activity, carbon emissions, and the accelerated melting of glaciers.