Chapter 1: The Call for Action on Climate Change

As Earth Day draws near, we must ask ourselves: where is the political determination to tackle climate change more vigorously? Prominent climate experts assert that many political figures have proven ineffective, and it falls upon the younger generation to spearhead meaningful action.

At a recent Environmental Film Festival in the nation's capital, I experienced one of the standout films of the event, Canary, which chronicles the life and contributions of climate scientist Lonnie Thompson. The film has received rave reviews from both critics and audiences and deserves a wider theatrical release, though that seems unlikely.

The discussion that followed, featuring directors, Thompson, and his family, was even more impactful than the film itself. Thompson, often likened to Indiana Jones for his adventurous spirit, is now 75 years old and has undergone a heart transplant. He remains unfazed by criticisms from climate change skeptics.

In 1992, during his testimony before the U.S. Senate about the alarming rate of glacial ice melt—research he has conducted since the 1970s—Thompson had a more hopeful view of political leaders. He believed that influential public and private figures would galvanize enough action to reverse the global trend of glacier retreat. Reflecting on this, he likened it to his own experience in the mid-1980s when he engaged with officials from the Reagan administration and the former Soviet Union, believing in their genuine commitment to reducing Cold War tensions. While some leaders may have had good intentions, the entrenched systems and financial interests tied to oil and military operations are formidable.

“I thought [in the 1990s] that change was going to come from the top down, and it looked very positive,” said Thompson, a distinguished professor at Ohio State University's School of Earth Sciences and the first to extract ice core samples from glaciers worldwide. “But that’s not going to happen. It’s going to come from the bottom up.”

Chapter 2: A Dangerous Reality of Melting Glaciers

Since the 1970s, Thompson and his team have ventured into some of the planet's most isolated regions, including the Himalayas and Mount Kilimanjaro, to study glaciers. They have spent weeks in harsh conditions using low-tech, solar-powered tools to drill ice cores and gather samples from these frozen giants.

“One of the reasons I appreciate glaciers is that they have no political agenda,” Thompson remarked. “They simply reflect the changes in their environment, and sadly, they all convey one alarming message: our planet is warming, and the rapid loss of ice is becoming perilous, contributing to rising sea levels with far-reaching consequences.”

NASA reports that Greenland loses approximately 270 billion tons of ice each year, while Antarctica sheds about 150 billion tons annually. A study by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that sea levels could increase by up to six feet by 2100.

Thompson, who hails from the small coal-mining town of Gassaway, West Virginia, has spent more time above 18,000 feet than perhaps anyone else on Earth, documenting these changes. Former Vice President Al Gore, who showcased Thompson’s findings in the film An Inconvenient Truth, noted that no other scientist has taken greater risks—such as falling into crevasses or developing blood clots—while working under extreme conditions to enhance our understanding of climate dynamics.

For his groundbreaking work, Thompson has received numerous accolades, including the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, considered the environmental science equivalent of the Nobel Prize. His research has provided compelling evidence of the ongoing effects of global climate change. According to the Tyler Prize officials, “The collection of these high-elevation records is a heroic mountaineering feat that demands courage, daring, and physical endurance akin to legendary explorers.”

Thompson's wife, Ellen Mosley-Thompson, a respected geology professor at Ohio State and a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, collaborates with him at the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center, which was established in 1960 as Ohio State's first research center.

Surviving Health Challenges

Regina Thompson, their daughter and assistant director of the FBI's victim services division, shared that her father has been thriving since his heart transplant in 2012. It took time for him to acknowledge the need to slow down and address his health, a struggle reminiscent of how some people resist recognizing the reality of climate change.

“Change is daunting,” Regina noted. “Managing it is one of the toughest challenges we face, whether in organizations, science, or family matters.”

At 75, Thompson dedicates much of his time to educating others about climate change, experiencing a notable decrease in hate mail as the reality of climate change becomes increasingly evident.

I witnessed this firsthand during my visit to Alaska in August 2023, where I hiked to a glacier in decline. Conversations with locals—regardless of political affiliation—revealed a universal acknowledgment of the alarming changes in glacial landscapes over recent years. No one disputed the link between rising temperatures and glacial retreat; climate change became starkly real in front of my eyes.

Nevertheless, many politicians in Washington continue to obstruct policies that could mitigate this issue, primarily driven by financial interests. One must wonder: when the planet faces devastation, where will their wealth lead them? Do they genuinely believe that tech moguls like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos will offer them a seat on their spacecraft?

Regina expressed relief at the decline in hostility towards her father's work. “I’m pleased that the death threats have lessened. We received a few in the past,” she said. “Denial often leads to anger, and I witnessed those aggressive emails directed at my father.”

Instead of engaging with the handful of skeptics who downplay climate change, Thompson focuses on inspiring students and young people who will inherit the consequences of today's decisions.

“They are the voters of tomorrow,” he emphasized. “They will confront the challenges left by our generation.”

Chapter 3: The Youth's Role in Addressing Climate Change

Recent surveys indicate widespread support among U.S. adults for increased efforts to develop renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. According to a Pew Research Center survey, two-thirds of Americans believe the country should invest more in renewables.

While Democrats overwhelmingly advocate for alternative energy, a significant portion of Republicans over 64 still prioritize oil, coal, and natural gas. In contrast, two-thirds of younger Republicans prefer a shift towards renewable energy.

This aligns perfectly with Thompson’s current mission. “Young people are eager and looking for guidance,” he stated.

“Our aim with this film was to inspire the upcoming generation and highlight that everyone can contribute. Collective action can indeed change the world.”

The first video, "CLIMATE CHANGE: Where do we go from here? (LIVE AT 8PM ET)" explores the future steps necessary to combat climate change effectively.

The second video, "Bill Gates on Climate: 'Are We Science People or Are We the Idiots?'" features Gates discussing the importance of science in addressing climate change.

Kevin Shay is a veteran journalist and author of several books, including Walking through the Wall, detailing his long journey to Russia during the Cold War.