Can the ski industry survive climate change?

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