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Where have all the glaciers gone?The Global Warming 101 Expedition team returned home in May after logging three months and 1,200 miles to document environmental changes in the Arctic. They brought back the sobering message of the effects of global warming in the far north. 
Led by world famous polar explorer, Will Steger, the expedition traveled across Baffin Island with three native Inuit hunters and 24 sled dogs. The team sent video, dialogue, scientific information, and observations via satellite to their Minnesota base, where the information was posted on their Web site. Participating schools and educational programs across the country were able to download materials and follow along with the trek. The adventure was riddled with reminders of the effects of global climate change. The once mighty glaciers have melted at alarming rates - leaving behind rocky fields strewn with giant slush pits. The early breakup of the sea ice made traveling difficult, sinking one sled into frigid waters that should have been solid ice. 
"My brief plunge through the ice made me think about caribou and other animals that rely on ice for travel. It particularly affects migration and hunting patterns," expedition member Elizabeth Andre commented. Shortened periods of safe hunting travel time and declining animal populations have forced many locals to turn to food imported from further south. But because these cultures have a poor understanding of nutrition with the imported food, diabetes and obesity now threaten their health and livelihood. The Inuit culture is changing to meet the new environment forced upon them, however they question our ability to cope when the effects of global climate change start to influence our local environments. "This is ground zero for global warming," Steger said, "this is where we can document future effects for our environment and why we have to start looking for ways to commit to stopping global warming now."
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