From Skiing to Surfing: How Climate Change is Changing Our Playgrounds
Outdoor sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, surfing, and hiking, are among the most cherished recreational activities around the world. However, their viability is under threat from climate change, which is disrupting natural systems and increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the impact of climate change on outdoor sports will likely vary across regions, with some experiencing more negative effects than others. Here, we will explore the ways in which climate change can affect outdoor sports and the estimated economic impact under different IPCC scenarios.
The IPCC provides a range of scenarios, also known as Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs), that describe different levels of greenhouse gas emissions and potential climate futures. In this post, we will focus on two RCPs: RCP 4.5, which assumes a moderate level of emissions reduction and a temperature increase of 1-2 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, and RCP 8.5, which assumes high emissions and a temperature increase of 4-6 degrees Celsius.
Cold Weather Sports
The impacts of climate change on different outdoor sports vary widely depending on their geographical location and the type of climate zone they are situated in. In cooler regions, such as the Arctic, skiing and snowboarding are among the sports most at risk. Increasing temperatures and decreasing snowfall can reduce the length of the winter season and the quality of snow conditions, making it more challenging to maintain winter sports facilities. According to a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) in collaboration with Protect Our Winters (POW), ski resorts in the United States lost an estimated $1.07 billion in revenue and 17,400 jobs between 1999 and 2010 due to declining snowfall. Under RCP 8.5, the NRDC predicts that the average snow season in North America could shrink by 80 percent by the end of the century, severely impacting winter tourism in many regions.
In Colorado, snow sports provided approximately 43,000 jobs in 2016 - equivalent to adding $2.56 billion to the state’s economy. This doesn’t only affect the snow sports industry, however. Once the ski season ends, that snowpack is the primary water source for many western states in the US, which are currently experiencing exceptional drought conditions due to lower amounts of snowfall. This puts agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower at risk for states and cities that receive water that melts in the mountains and flows downstream.
Warm Weather Sports
In warmer regions, outdoor sports that involve water, such as surfing, paddle boarding, and swimming, are more at risk. Rising sea levels and increased water temperatures can create more unpredictable and dangerous surf conditions and worsen water quality, leading to the closure of beaches and the loss of tourism revenue. According to a study by the Climate Council, beach tourism in Australia is responsible for approximately 5% of the workforce, 15 times more than the coal and mining industry in Australia. Tourism in Australia, dominated by nature-based attractions, also attracted 8.6 million international visitors, spending $40.6 billion in 2017. This could all be at risk due to rising sea levels and environmental damage to the local environment.
Sports and Culture
The impacts of climate change on outdoor sports are not limited to economic losses. They can also lead to significant cultural and social changes, as these recreational activities are often intertwined with local traditions, lifestyles, and values. For example, in warmer regions of the world, surfing has become an important cultural activity that connects communities with their environment and history. The loss of surf spots due to sea level rise and coastal erosion can not only damage the economies of these regions but also cause a sense of cultural displacement and loss. Similarly, in colder regions, skiing and snowboarding are pillars of local culture, attracting visitors and residents alike. Without these activities, many mountain communities could lose their identity and vitality.
Solutions
Despite these challenges, there are opportunities to adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change on outdoor sports. For example, ski resorts can invest in snowmaking technologies and other infrastructure to maintain snow conditions and prolong the season. They can also diversify their offerings to include other activities, such as mountain biking or hiking, that are less dependent on snow. Similarly, coastal communities can develop adaptation strategies, such as building sea walls or nature-based solutions, to protect their beaches and reduce the risk of flooding.
Overall, the impact of climate change on outdoor sports is highly uncertain and dependent on many factors. However, the potential economic, social, and cultural damages are significant and require urgent action to mitigate and adapt. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to sustainable energy, and investing in resilience, we can help preserve the beauty and diversity of our planet and the activities that make life worth living.
