As the world grapples with a changing climate, its effects are becoming increasingly evident, and often in the most unexpected of ways. In recent news, extreme cold weather triggered powerful winds at General’s Mountain ski resort in Xinjiang, northwestern China, bringing the ski lift system to a standstill. This left skiers hanging precariously several feet above the ground, a stark reminder of the unpredictability of extreme weather conditions and their potential to disrupt everyday life.
Meanwhile, China’s capital, Beijing, is experiencing its chilliest December since 1951. The temperatures have often plunged below -10C, leading to school closures and putting immense pressure on energy supplies. Over 300 hours of sub-zero temperatures in under two weeks have resulted in a December colder than any the city has seen in almost seven decades.
But the effects of the climate crisis reach far beyond the borders of China. Research has revealed an 8.4 percent per decade decrease in snow cover in the Alps between 1971 and 2019. This poses considerable challenges for European ski resorts, which depend heavily on consistent snowfall for their survival and profitability.
The projections paint a dire picture for the future. If temperatures rise by just 4C, up to 98 percent of ski resorts across 28 European countries could face a ‘very high risk’ of snow scarcity. This reduced snowfall threatens not only the global ski resort industry but also Europe’s water supply. The continent depends on mountain snow for a staggering 90 percent of its water.
Extreme weather events like the one at General’s Mountain ski resort and the decreasing snowfall in Europe highlight the tangible impact of climate change. The decrease in snowfall due to climate change could jeopardize the future of winter sports and the economic viability of ski resorts. More critically, it threatens a resource that is fundamental to life – water. With Europe relying on mountain snow for 90 percent of its water supply, the implications of this crisis could be far-reaching and devastating.
The world is waking up to a new reality where the effects of climate change are no longer distant threats, but immediate challenges that require urgent attention and action. From the ski resorts in the Alps to the schools in Beijing, the impact is widespread and growing. It is a clear call to the global community to unite in the face of this climate crisis and work towards sustainable solutions to safeguard our planet for future generations.
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