A little over a week ago, the Trump administration weakened the Environmental Protection Agency’s powers to manage pollution and fight climate change. Meanwhile, Colorado faces record low snowfall and extreme winter temperatures.
Is Colorado becoming the U.S. capital of climate change? Other states have their issues too. Ocean towns risk flooding, farmers face failing crops, and southern regions can expect deadlier heatwaves. Yet, Colorado is particularly at risk, regardless of political beliefs about climate change.
The state is famous for its winter sports and tourism. Many Olympic athletes hail from here, carrying home medals. As someone who spent my high school years working in ski resorts, I’ve felt the shift firsthand.
Ski resorts are struggling to adapt to changing weather. Snowfalls are arriving later than decades ago. In the 1980s, it felt like Halloween always brought snow. This year, Denver saw its first snow only after Thanksgiving. Late snows can ruin the crucial holiday ski season. Who wants to pay top dollar for trips when the slopes are patchy with grass?
When winter feels like spring, even vacations during March break suffer. This leads to fewer jobs and smaller paychecks in mountain towns. Food banks report rising demand as families cope. Snow loss translates to real life struggles.
But the ski industry’s woes aren’t the only issues Colorado faces. Lack of winter snow sparks more severe problems in the summer. Remember when afternoon thunderstorms would cool us down? Those days seem long gone.
Now, summers mirror desert cities like Las Vegas. Without cooling storms, heat can be relentless. Hotter summers paired with less snow turn forests into fire hazards. Beetle-ridden pines become ready fuel for wildfires, leaving firefighters on high alert. Even a small spark can lead to massive blazes, threatening lives and homes.
Summer tourism is also suffering. Why hike through smoky air? Beautiful views are often cloaked in haze, obscuring the landscapes we used to treasure. Restrictions on campfires and shortened rafting seasons make summer less enticing.
This winter has been particularly bad. Foreshadowing a challenging summer ahead.
Long-term climate change could bring severe global challenges: famine, dwindling water supplies, and habitat loss. These realities might lead to mass migrations and conflicts. Yet, many still view climate change as a distant problem, much like voters who prioritize immediate issues over looming threats. It’s easier to dismiss it when it feels remote.
Coloradans are now faced with a stark reality. Climate changes are already affecting our daily lives. The climb may not feel steep yet, but it’s becoming evident that action is necessary. Like hiking up a mountain, we must navigate the challenges ahead—before they become insurmountable.
As we think about the future, it’s essential to stay informed about climate issues. Recent data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows that snowpack levels are continuing to decline in the Western U.S. This decline is tied to broader climatic shifts and emphasizes the urgency of understanding and addressing climate impacts in our own communities.
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climate,climate change,Environment,ski industry,wildfires
