photo: Tom Hancock "Keep Winter Cool & Sustainable Slopes" .jpeg 400kb

Climate Change

Climate Change Q & A:

What causes climate change?
The earth's atmosphere acts like a greenhouse that traps the sun's heat. Without this natural "greenhouse effect," life on earth would not be possible. The use of fossil fuels has contributed to an increase in greenhouse gases (GHGs). There is a widespread view that this increase is leading to climate change with adverse effects on the environment.

What are greenhouse gases?
Greenhouse gases (GHG ) are one of the principal causes of global warming , and carbon dioxide is one of the principal greenhouse gases. Its concentration has increased more than 30% since 1750, and is expected to continue climbing. In fact, atmospheric CO2 levels are as high as they've been in half a million years, based on ice core measurements.

A list of greenhouse gases is provided below:
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Methane (CH4)
Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
Perflurorocarbons (PFCs)
Water Vapor

What is the science on climate change?
Many scientists predict that unless global warming pollution is curbed, there could be a significant increase in global temperatures and decrease in average snow pack in the decades ahead. Scientists do not necessarily agree on the precise consequences of warming however, such as what will happen to global weather patterns, crop yields, regional temperatures or rainfall patterns. Five points that are not disputed in the scientific community include:

• CO2 is a greenhouse gas and increased atmospheric concentrations of CO2 warm the earth
• CO2 levels are increasing rapidly, and the current rate will have doubled over pre-industrial times by 2100
• Climate tracks CO2 levels, as demonstrated by ice core samples dating back 400,000 years; as CO2 concentrations increase, climate warms
• Human activity causes a significant amount of CO2 to be released
• The planet is currently warming, and global average surface temperature has increased 1degree F over the last century.

What sectors does global warming pollution come from?

1. Industry: 32 %
2. Transportation: 33%
3. Residential/Commercial (including electricity): 35%

Within the industry sector, electric power plants are the single largest source of some of the worst air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and mercury. Among power plants, coal-fired facilities produce the most pollution.

Why has the ski industry adopted a policy on climate change?
Although our own GHG contributions are negligible on a relative scale, climate change could impact the winter recreation experience for our guests and our weather-dependent business. The best and most current climate models for skiing regions in the U.S. suggest warmer nights and wetter shoulder seasons. Variability in climate is not good for our customers, our business or the environment. The ski industry has an opportunity to take a leadership role in raising awareness and encouraging solutions on this important issue.

How does the climate change policy relate to Sustainable Slopes?
The climate change policy was adopted under the auspices of the Sustainable Slopes program. The Environmental Charter adopted in 2000 addresses climate change in several sections.

The Preamble of the Charter set the stage for the new climate change policy: "Given the ski industry's dependence on weather, climate changes that produce weather patterns of warmer temperatures or decreased snowfall could significantly impact the industry. Accordingly, the industry is committed to better understanding the actual and potential impacts of climate change, reducing its own, albeit limited, emission of greenhouse gases, and educating its customers and other stakeholders about this issue."

The Environmental Principles of the Charter address the reduction of greenhouse gases through:

• planning and design of high density/pedestrian friendly development (less vehicle emissions)
• planning and design of green buildings (less/cleaner energy use)
• water conservation (means less energy use as well)
• energy conservation in all operations (facilities, lifts, snowmaking, etc.)
• use of cleaner energy (vehicle fleets, gas fireplaces, purchasing wind power, solar energy)
• reducing and recycling solid waste (means less energy consumed to make more)
• use of public/employee mass transit incentives (reduced emissions)
• education and outreach/support of initiatives to reduce snowmobile emissions

The Environmental Code of the Slopes addresses the issue as well by encouraging consumers to share a ride (reduces emissions), turn off lights in lodging, and reducing and recycling waste (reduces energy consumption).

What role can the ski industry play in raising awareness about climate change?
Ski areas provide a perfect forum for educating guests and an interested public on the problem of climate change and how individuals can make a difference. Participation in “Keep Winter Cool” campaign is a great way to get involved. Through on-mountain signage and websites, resorts can educate and raise awareness of their actions to reduce GHGs such as energy efficiency measures or the use of renewable energy sources (solar, wind and geothermal) to power lifts or facilities.

How are resorts taking action against climate change?
Resorts are taking a variety of measures to reduce GHG emissions in their operations, such as adopting and applying green building principles for new construction; conducting energy “retrofits” on existing facilities; purchasing wind power to run lifts or buildings; replacing aging air compressors in snowmaking operations to reduce emissions; using alternative fuels in resort transportation fleets; and promoting car pooling by guests or providing mass transit. Visit the Green Room for more details.

What can resort guests do to help stop climate change?
Resort guests can play an important role in “keeping winter cool.”

• Share a ride, carpool, drive an efficient car or take shuttles to help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• Be an efficient consumer. Buy energy-efficient household appliances and replace normal light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Turn off lights and heat when you leave a room at our resort or your home.
• Buy clean energy for your home. Contact your local utility to see if “green electricity” is available to power your home through renewable energy sources like wind power.
• Contact your elected representatives and ask them to do more to reduce CO2 emissions and keep winter cool for skiing and snowboarding.
• Spread the word to your lift mates, family and friends.