snow
Midwest states grapple with an unusual early wildfire season
Wildfires are surging across the Midwest this spring, fueled by a notably dry and warm winter.
In short:
- Midwest states are witnessing a dramatic uptick in wildfires this spring, already contending with hundreds of fires due to dry conditions.
- Officials warn the recent snow and rain are unlikely to alleviate the dry spell, potentially extending the wildfire season.
- With climate change influencing fire behavior, the Midwest faces longer fire seasons and more severe wildfires, challenging traditional firefighting strategies.
Key quote:
"We’re seeing extreme fire behavior, red flag warnings in March, which we normally don’t see."
— William Glesener, wildfire operations supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Why this matters:
Wildfires have grown larger and more intense in recent years, putting lives at risk and causing profound impacts on natural ecosystems and communities. From 2017 to 2021, the average annual acreage burned by wildfires in the U.S. was 68% greater than the yearly average from 1983 to 2016. This increase in wildfires is stressing budgets at all levels of government, prompting the need for better planning and mitigation measures.
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Credit: Peter Robbins/Unsplash
Warm winter leads to a significant decrease in road salt usage in Michigan
Michigan experiences a reduction in road salt application, benefiting budgets and the environment.
In short:
- Michigan's mild winter resulted in a 37% drop in road salt usage on state highways.
- This decrease may save the state approximately $10 million and mitigate environmental impacts.
- Experts suggest that warmer winters could reduce the future need for road salting.
Key quote:
"We’ve been trying to make a conscious effort to reduce our salt use."
— Tim Croze, statewide maintenance and operations manager for the Michigan Department of Transportation
Why this matters:
Runoff containing road salt can infiltrate freshwater systems, leading to elevated salinity levels in lakes, rivers and groundwater. This increase in salinity can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, harming or even killing plants and wildlife adapted to freshwater environments.
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Climate change brings uncertainty to ski resort snowfall
A recent study indicates the declining snowfall at ski resorts, an issue linked to the progressing climate crisis, foretells a challenging future for winter sports.
In short:
- The U.S. ski industry has suffered more than $5 billion in losses over two decades due to reduced snowfall from global warming.
- Warmer winters have led to a significant reduction in the ski season, impacting revenue and elevating the cost of artificial snow production.
- Ski seasons may shorten by up to 33 days by the 2050s, contingent on global actions toward emission reductions.
Key quote:
"We are probably past the era of peak ski seasons. Climate change is an evolving business reality for the ski industry and the tourism sector.”
— Daniel Scott, scientist at the University of Waterloo
Why this matters:
The reduction of snowfall due to climate change threatens the recreational industry but also foreshadows broader environmental impacts, such as water scarcity from diminished snowpacks feeding rivers and streams. People are flocking to see melting glaciers before they're gone—bringing both benefit and harm.
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Credit: Michael Aleo/Unsplash
Midwest experiences winter warmth disrupting life and economy
Unprecedented warm winter disrupts traditions and economies across the Midwest as ice vanishes from the Great Lakes.
In short:
- This year's Great Lakes ice cover is at a potential record low of around 4% compared to the historical average of 40%.
- The warm winter has caused the cancellation of major events like the Wayzata Chilly Open and altered the American Birkebeiner ski race.
- The absence of ice and snow is affecting local economies, mental health, farming moisture reserves, and Indigenous community traditions.
Key quote:
“Last year, we had record amounts of snow and this year we’re at record low snow. So it’s a pretty stark contrast. There’s barely any snow on the ground. It’s unseasonably warm.”
— Natalie Chin, climate and tourism outreach specialist at the Wisconsin Sea Grant program
Why this matters:
Climate change is altering traditional lifestyles. This situation exemplifies the broader, tangible impacts of warming temperatures on local communities and economies.
Feeling anxious about climate change? Experts say you're not alone.
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Credit: GBurba/Big Stock Photo
Arctic rainfall: a new climate challenge
The Arctic faces a new environmental challenge as rainfall increases, impacting wildlife and indigenous communities.
In short:
- Rainfall in the Arctic, once rare, is now more frequent, causing significant ice loss and ecological disruptions.
- These rain-on-snow events are affecting wildlife survival and indigenous people's way of life.
- The increase in Arctic rainfall is a direct consequence of global warming and has far-reaching implications.
Key quote:
“We are trying to keep up with what is going on, but we keep getting surprised.”
— Mark Serreze, director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center at the University of Colorado
Why this matters:
This shift in Arctic weather patterns is critical as it not only accelerates ice loss and sea level rise but also poses severe challenges to Arctic wildlife and Indigenous communities. Understanding and addressing these changes are vital for global climate change mitigation efforts.
People are flocking to see melting glaciers before they're gone—bringing both benefit and harm.
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Denise Balkissoon: Why are fests like Winterlude still turning to fossil fuel sponsors?
Ottawa’s second Winterlude without the Rideau Canal Skateway is its 27th sponsored by Enbridge Gas. Festivals from B.C. to Quebec accept money from fossil fuel companies whose products imperil winter itself.
They took their horses to the Swiss Alps for snow polo. They got slush instead
In St. Moritz, a ski resort town that revolves around winter tourism, high temperatures made full matches impossible and raised concerns about the future.
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