But we thought his victory speech was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow …
Nevertheless, President Obama took a long hike today to personally observe the effects of climate change on the glaciers of Alaska as part of the 2015 GLACIER conference. And yes, some intern managed to string together “Global Leadership in the Arctic: Cooperation, Innovation, Engagement and Resilience” to spell GLACIER.
The big tease for the public, or course, was that President Obama was going to meet with survivalist Bear Grylls to learn some real-life wilderness survival skills.
Obama buys some pastries before he goes on his glacier hike with survivalist Bear Grylls in Alaska -> pic.twitter.com/ZXOlSh8ixz
— Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) September 1, 2015
"How's everybody doing?” Obama asked after entering Cafe "I'm about to go to a glacier. What do you guys recommend?"
— Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) September 1, 2015
The cinnamon rolls are good.
At Snow City Cafe in Anchorage, Pres Obama buys all the cinnamon rolls. Also walnut bread & muffins. Says: "Put a little sampler together."
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) September 1, 2015
We’re guessing right after this is when the survival exercises and urine drinking were filmed; they must be saving those for TV later.
@markknoller I'm embarrassed for him. Bear Grylls, I mean.
— MarcyJMiller (@MarcyJMiller) September 1, 2015
@markknoller / Will Vladimir show up without a shirt and can Bear Grylis show the @POTUS how to throw an Alaskan snowball like a male?
— Joelon Wilson (@futureicon) September 1, 2015
Can you let us know if he's asked to do anything requiring even minimal physical coordination? @markknoller
— MRA_Con (@MRA_Con) September 1, 2015
Recommended
"Come on, it's ice cream," says Pres Obama to press pool at ice cream shop in Seward, after his glacier hike and survival training.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) September 2, 2015
Pres Obama ordered small coffee gelato – then said he might want cocoanut. He ends up getting a small scoop of each.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) September 2, 2015
In between snacks, the president did turn his eye to the real-life effects of climate change. Forgive us if the language here gets a bit too scientific for the average reader.
"How's this? Beats being in the office," Pres Obama told reporters as he arrived at Exit Glacier.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) September 1, 2015
"It is spectacular. We want to make sure that our grandkids can see this," said @POTUS of the glacier, which has been shrinking in size.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) September 1, 2015
With Exit Glacier in the background, Pres Obama laments it had receded about a mile and half over last 150 years. pic.twitter.com/kdzl7Rzttj
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) September 1, 2015
Pres Obama says the receding glacier "is as good a signpost of Climate Change as anything." pic.twitter.com/H0IiyDjVG2
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) September 1, 2015
Good observation genius. Now come back to this spot in January https://t.co/a3AYhYcfwb
— Stephen Miller (@redsteeze) September 2, 2015
https://twitter.com/NathanWurtzel/status/638871465287360512
.@NathanWurtzel Dude Obama just called it with his own eyes. Your argument is invalid
— Stephen Miller (@redsteeze) September 2, 2015
If you don’t believe POTUS, do you believe CBS News’ Bill Plante? This photo was taken just a day before President Obama’s tour. Oh, and it’s a different glacier, but still melting.
.@PlanteCBS witnesses melting glacier ahead of Pres. Obama’s visit to Alaska to push for action on climate change pic.twitter.com/hEOXdgA4WN
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) August 31, 2015
Obama talks climate change at melting Exit Glacier near Seward, Alaska pic.twitter.com/2ey4TVIGU0
— Josh Lederman (@JoshNBCNews) September 2, 2015
@joshledermanAP Imagine how many lives will eventually be saved by Obama's work here.
— ryuge (@0ryuge) September 2, 2015