Global warming reports often warn of changes to the world’s ecosystems, but a recent study has identified a new sort of threat, and it’s headed for Utah’s ski industry.
Global warming reports often warn of changes to the world’s ecosystems, but a book published in 2013 suggests the fallout is headed for Utah’s ski industry.
Author and environmental activist Porter Fox recently spoke at Weber State University and alerted his audience to the big changes that that may be ahead.
At the heart of them is that snowfall is predicted to be increasingly light and may eventually stop entirely.
In a state where a great deal of income for governments, companies and individuals is dependent upon tourist draws like prime skiing conditions, that’s a serious issue.
So, how long do Utah’s hills have before they’re bare?
Fox predicts that by the end of the century, ski trips in the state could be little more than a fond memory.
Many popular resorts have been implementing green policy efforts to help prevent such a thing from happening.
Some have established employee ride sharing programs, and others are offering bus transport for patrons.
Fox also stresses that the impact of a snowless winter, while bad for Utah skiing, is much further reaching.
Without snow’s contribution to the climate and water supply, a chain of disasters including forest fires, dried up rivers, and a loss of hydroelectric power could be set off.
