Climate Change with Consequences for Mountain Sports
The expert forum, consisting of 14 institutions from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, reports that the warming since pre-industrial times until the end of 2024 amounts to 3.1 degrees in Austria, 2.5 degrees in Germany, and 2.9 degrees Celsius in Switzerland. Experts expect that average temperatures in the DACH region will rise by at least two degrees by the end of the century. Regional fluctuations can temporarily influence the long-term climate trend.
Climate Change Brings More Precipitation, But Less Snow
"The warming has a significant impact on winters," says Marc Olefs, head of the Climate Impact Research Department at Geosphere Austria and representative of the organization in the expert forum, "the natural snow cover suitable for snow sports is decreasing in the long term, especially in low and mid-altitudes, up to about 1,500 meters above sea level. Due to the warming, the meteorological conditions for technical snow production are also changing. The potential snowmaking periods are decreasing, and the demand for water and energy is increasing." The natural variability of winter precipitation is particularly high, and so far, no clear trends can be observed in many places, it was said. However, there are robust signals for an increase in winter precipitation in the Alpine region and the intensification of short-term precipitation extremes. In low and mid-altitudes, it will rain more often instead of snowing due to the higher temperatures.
Longer Summer Season Due to Climate Change, But More Heavy Rain
The new position paper also includes, for the first time, the topic of mountain sports in the summer half-year. In the transitional seasons of spring and autumn, climate change contributes to an extension of the season for many outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, swimming, water sports, and golf. However, in summer, the burden from rising temperatures also increases. Regarding rain, experts note two developments: Climate scenarios, according to climate researcher Olefs, show a tendency towards lower precipitation amounts in the Alpine region and more intense drought periods in the summer half-year. At the same time, it is expected "that small-scale and short-term heavy precipitation events in the summer half-year will continue to intensify and increase in frequency. This can lead, among other things, to an increase in other alpine natural hazards such as mudslides and landslides, affecting alpine trail networks and other infrastructure."
Appeal to Sports and Tourism Industry for Sustainability and Climate Protection
"Climate change poses a major challenge. It is in the long-term interest of winter and mountain sports that sustainability, climate protection, and resilience enhancement are promoted at all levels and synergistically," said Ralf Roth, the initiator of the expert forum Climate.Sport.Snow. He urged the entire industry - from cable car operators to sports retailers - to "actively participate in the societal challenge of climate change with appropriate measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the consequential effects." Additionally, experts recommended further research, including on precipitation development.
(APA/Red)
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