A Journey Shaped by Ice
Dr. Shawn Marshall is a well-respected climatologist and glaciologist. For ten years, he held the Canada Research Chair in Climate Change at the University of Calgary. With a background in physics, Shawn didn’t initially set out to study glaciers. It was during a summer internship at the University of Toronto that he started modeling the climate of the last Ice Age and realized how crucial glaciers are to our climate system. This discovery led him to pursue a PhD in geophysics at the University of British Columbia, focusing on glacier dynamics within global climate models.
In 2000, Shawn joined the University of Calgary, where he dedicated two decades to glacier research. He traveled to places like Greenland, Iceland, and the Canadian Arctic, examining how glaciers respond to climate change. His research has highlighted the importance of glaciers for water resources in Western Canada and their role in global sea-level rise.
In 2019, Shawn took on a new role as the first Departmental Science Advisor at Environment and Climate Change Canada. His work aims to integrate science into government decisions, contributing to the Climate Science 2050 report, which outlines Canada’s national priorities for climate research and adaptation. His expertise helps the government understand freshwater availability and address water quality issues, especially as legacy contaminants can be released from melting glaciers.
Glaciers: An Endangered Species
Shawn has devoted much of his life to studying glaciers. A recent study showed that glaciers in Western Canada and the U.S. lost 12% of their total mass between 2021 and 2024—melting at double the rate compared to a decade ago. Factors like mild winters, early heat waves, and wildfires have intensified glacier melting, darkening their surfaces and increasing heat absorption.
“Glaciers are an endangered species,” Shawn states. Their retreat serves as a visible indicator of climate change. Working with glaciers evokes strong emotions for him. “You can see the changes firsthand and feel their impact on communities—whether it’s rising sea levels or reduced freshwater resources,” he explains.
Shawn describes glaciers not just as beautiful landscapes but as vital markers of our climate reality. In recognition of the urgent situation, the United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. This initiative aims to raise awareness about climate change’s effects on our planet’s ice-covered regions.
Science for the Future
Shawn believes that science is essential. It helps us understand our environment and prepare for future changes. “Establishing long-term perspectives allows us to make informed choices for a better future,” he says. Although climate change poses significant challenges, Shawn remains hopeful. He believes that it’s not too late to save many glaciers. The choices we make today will dictate how much ice we have in the coming century.
To illustrate this point, recent studies suggest that over 90% of the world’s glaciers are retreating due to climate warming. If current trends continue, many could vanish by the end of this century, affecting millions who rely on meltwater for drinking and irrigation. The time for informed action is now.
For Shawn Marshall, the fight against climate change is both a challenge and a passion. By focusing on glaciers, he illuminates the urgent need for collective action to safeguard our water resources and fight against climate change.
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Research, Science, Environment, Glacier, Scientist, Climate change, Science Advisor,
The International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, Water science, Climate, Cryosphere
