The Alps have been warming about three times the global average. Alpine Glaciers are melting, even plant life is migrating up toward cooler weather. The winter sports industry attracts 60-80 million tourists annually. Ski resorts are preparing for more seasons with less or no snow. Some places are using man-made snow or hauling snow from nearby glaciers. Some resorts are becoming spas, conference centers, and luxury hotels (Scientific America).
In addition to ski tourism there is another concern about global warming's effect on the Alps. About 40% of Europe's freshwater originates from the Alps. Climate change threatens the water cycle. The water cycle is dependent on precipitation, snow, and glacier cover.
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| Matterhorn Panorama from Gornergrat credit: J. Paylor |
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| The nearly 15,000-feet-high Matterhorn Mountain, located in the Alps on the border between Italy and Switzerland. Left: August 16, 1960 at 9:00am. Right: August 18, 2005 at 9:10am. Source: Panopticon Gallery, Boston, MA. |
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| Thanks to the effects of climate change, the Swiss peak, is being eroded due to melting
ice water from the glaciers at its summit. The water penetrates the cracks and
fissures in the mountain and is then re-frozen in the winter. This freeze-thaw
action causes large boulders to be dislodged and swept further down the
mountain. Photo credit: Juan Rubiano |
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