A big disappointment for winter sports enthusiasts: skiing and snowboarding in Europe will soon not be possible in many places. Due to climate change, there is a “very high probability” of snow shortages.
Because of global warming, the chance of snow shortages is increasing, the researchers wrote in the scientific journal The nature of climate change. As a result, we will no longer be able to ski in about half of the ski areas examined in 28 European countries.
However, many attempts are being made to get winter sports enthusiasts to ski or snowboard. It is precisely these interventions that exacerbate climate change. A lot of carbon dioxide is released when snow cannons are used. In addition, it requires a lot of water and electricity.
Furthermore, artificial snow can no longer be made if the Earth’s temperature rises by 2 degrees. This is only possible at lower temperatures, because the fake snow would melt otherwise.
According to the researchers, it is important to check whether continuing ski tourism is the right choice. In some regions, this may not be the case.
With temperatures rising by 4 degrees, winter sports in Europe become almost impossible
The scientists examined 2,234 ski resorts in countries ranging from Iceland to Türkiye. They predict that if the Earth’s temperature rises by 4 degrees, winter sports will not be possible anywhere in Europe. But there are regional differences.
If we continue to use snow cannons, there will still be a serious lack of snow in more than 70 percent of the ski areas. Winter sports are not possible there.
There has also been little snow in France and Austria this year. Pictures of winter sports lovers skating on a white track in a green meadow are well known.
And in 2015, the Paris Agreement agreed to keep the temperature rise to less than 2 degrees, but preferably less than 1.5 degrees. But according to climate experts, that is no longer possible.
Ontvang meldingen bij artikelen over klimaat
