In climate bid, Obama stares down melting Alaska glacier

[...] it's just the opposite.

Obama trekked up to the glacier in a carefully choreographed excursion aimed at calling attention to the ways he says human activity is degrading cherished natural wonders.

The visit to Kenai Fjords National Park, home to the famed Exit Glacier, formed the apex of Obama's three-day tour of Alaska, his most concerted campaign yet on climate change.

In another presidential photo-op brimming with theatrical potential, Obama stood on the bow of a tour boat in Resurrection Bay in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, staring out at the serene waters and lush mountain vistas in both directions.

Obama is counting on Alaska's exquisite but deteriorating landscape to elicit a sense of urgency for his call to action on climate change.

[...] Obama taped an episode of the NBC reality TV show "Running Wild with Bear Grylls," putting his survival skills to the test in the national park.