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The Climate Question: Can the ski industry survive climate change?

Magazines & Reviews

27/02/2023 GMT

Can the ski industry survive climate change?

BBC World Service - The Climate Question, Can the ski industry survive climate change?

Record-breaking temperatures could be a bad omen for the ski industry

Record-breaking temperatures across the European Alps have led to a disappointing ski season. With visibly less snow, climate change could threaten the whole industry.

Record-breaking temperatures in the Alps in Europe have led to a disappointing ski season so far. Some slopes have been more brown than white, while others have been forced to close all together. Many worry this is a bad omen for the whole industry – which employs thousands globally.  

This is part of a wider trend of unpredictable weather. Some ski resorts are trying to adapt, by making artificial snow for example, but these short-term measures aren’t always sustainable.  

It’s predicted that the Alps will have 25% less snow by 2050, whereas resorts in Arctic Sweden are forecast to stay colder for longer. Could the northern country become skiing’s last resort, or will the industry have to fundamentally change to survive? 

Presenter Graihagh Jackson is joined by: 

Anna Richards, freelance journalist 

Linda Lundmark, associate professor at Department of Geography at Umea University 

Mathias Vuille, professor of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences at the University of Albany 

Rob Stewart, writer and PR Director for Ski Press 

With thanks to additional research by Harald Rice, University of Surrey.

Email us: theclimatequestion@bbc.com 

Producers: Ben Cooper and Mora Morrison 
Researcher: Matt Toulson 
Production Coordinator: Siobhan Reed and Sophie Hill
Series Producer: Ros Jones 
Editor: China Collins 
Sound Engineer: Tom Brignell

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