Everest Video and Presentation

Tuscola to Everest

 

How far does a climate scientist need to go to
 better understand our planet’s changing climate? For Baker Perry, the ultimate destination for his research has been at 27,000 feet near the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain.

 

Baker Perry, Ph.D., will return to Haywood County on Friday, October 6, to discuss and share spectacular media of his recent expeditions to Mount Everest in the Himalayas and the highest peaks in the Andes Mountains.

 

The event will be held at 7 pm at First United Methodist Church, 566 S. Haywood Street, Waynesville. Admission is free to the public. The Environmental Action Community of WNC (EACWNC) is the sponsor.

 

Baker Perry, PhD and his Research Focus

It was a long way from the basketball courts at Tuscola High School and Duke University, where as an undergrad he played for Coach K, to the 20-plus summits around the world Perry has climbed. Perry is currently a National Geographic Explorer, Professor at Appalachian State University, and a world-renowned climate scientist. 

 

Perry’s research has focused on the impacts of climate change on the highest mountains in the world, including the critical role of moisture and intense sunshine on the behavior of high altitude glaciers. 

 

In the world’s highest mountains, the vast Hindu Kush-Karakoram-Himalaya region, increased melting of the numerous glaciers increases the risk of catastrophic flooding in the short term and threatens the water supply of over 1.5 billion people in the longer term. A similar situation exists in the South American countries that depend on the glaciers of the Andes. Climate change is already having a huge impact on water resources in these regions and threatening to create many millions of climate refugees.

 

Dr. Perry’s research expeditions have played an important role in better understanding these disruptions to our planet’s climate.  The work of dedicated scientists like him will become even more important as we try to manage these challenges.

 

For a  preview of Perry’s presentation, take a look at this spectacular National Geographic production:

 

Admission to the event is free. Donations are appreciated.

 

EAC is a 501c3, all volunteer non-profit. All donations are tax deductible as far as IRS rules allow, and help the EAC fulfill its mission. To learn about EAC programs and projects, see www.eacwnc.org

 

We acknowledge that we live, work, and recreate on the traditional lands of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee people.