Will Snow Disappear Due To Climate Change?
Climate change is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, and it has the potential to affect every part of our lives, including the snow we know and love. As temperatures rise due to the burning of fossil fuels and other human activity, snow may become increasingly rare, and some places may even experience snowless winters.
How Climate Change Affects Snow
When temperatures rise, the atmosphere is able to hold more water vapor. This means that at temperatures that used to result in snow, now more rain may fall instead. In addition, warmer temperatures also lead to more extreme weather events, which can have an effect on the amount of snow that falls.
Snowpack and Glacier Retreat
Snowpack, which is the accumulation of snow over time, is an important part of the water cycle. In many areas, snowpack acts as a natural reservoir for water, slowly releasing it over time. As temperatures rise, snowpack will melt faster, resulting in less water for communities to use.
Glaciers are also at risk from climate change. Glaciers are large bodies of snow and ice that take hundreds or thousands of years to form. As temperatures increase, glaciers are melting faster than they can form, leading to glacier retreat. This retreat can have devastating effects on ecosystems and communities that rely on glaciers for water.
What Can We Do?
The best way to combat climate change is to reduce emissions and switch to renewable sources of energy. This can be done by implementing policies that encourage the use of renewable energy, such as wind and solar, and by investing in energy efficiency measures.
We can also help protect our snow and glaciers by taking steps to protect them from human activity. This includes protecting areas from development, reducing emissions from vehicles and other sources, and limiting access to sensitive areas.
Conclusion
Climate change is a serious threat to our snow and glaciers, and it is up to us to take action to protect them. By reducing emissions, switching to renewable sources of energy, and protecting our snow and glaciers, we can help ensure that they remain for future generations to enjoy.
Kyle Whyte is a notable scholar and professor at the University of Michigan, holding positions such as the George Willis Pack Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability and Professor of Philosophy. Specializing in environmental justice, his work critically examines climate policy and Indigenous peoples’ ethics, emphasizing the nexus between cooperative scientific endeavors and Indigenous justice. As an enrolled Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, he brings a vital perspective to his roles as a U.S. Science Envoy and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. His influential research is supported by various prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation, and disseminated through publications in high-impact journals. Kyle actively contributes to global Indigenous research methodologies and education, with affiliations to numerous institutes and societies dedicated to traditional knowledge and sustainability. Recognized for his academic and community engagement, Kyle has earned multiple awards and served in various visiting professorships. His efforts extend to leadership positions on boards and committees focused on environmental justice nationwide.