Save Our Snow
Just got back from a Park City town meeting on the subject of Global Warming. This was a well funded, well orchestrated event with approximately 1,200 people in attendance. Not bad for a town of 5,000. The presenters were impressive; an Al Gore disciple, two atmospheric scientists and an official from Aspen. All had good messages; yes GW is happening, and will continue, but the reach of it can be lessened by the smart moves we take now. Our window of opportunity is short, however.
The story for the ski resorts is pretty bleak. Park City Mountain Resort, the focus of the study, will essentially lose its base area by the year 2050, maybe sooner. By 2100, snow won't be deep enough ANYWHERE on the mountain to ski. But, as PCMR execs were saying, the loss of skiing will the least of our problems.
A few thoughts that I have from the presentations:
- The effects of GW are like a large ship at sea; there is a huge lag time from when we start to make the change and when we actually see the results (up to 50 years). We better start NOW!
- It was a *bit* disingenuous for ski resort execs from Deer Valley and The Canyons (PCMR is much better!) to be part of the presentation. They continue to push the development of starter castles up their slopes, thereby further inducing green house gas emission on their very mountains.
- Individuals do have the power to make a difference. Through local, state and federal legislation, we can make a difference. Acting individually in your own household is vital too:
1) Use compact fluorescent bulbs.
2) Insulate you doors, windows and water heater.
3) Vow to buy a *more* efficient car next time, not a bigger one.
4) Buy blocks of green energy from your utility.
- Some say they are tired of the GW hysteria. I say 'not enough!' Our rather complacent populous tends to sit on their hands all too often until the shrill is at fever pitch. We cannot afford ease back on this message.
Go forth and conserve!
The story for the ski resorts is pretty bleak. Park City Mountain Resort, the focus of the study, will essentially lose its base area by the year 2050, maybe sooner. By 2100, snow won't be deep enough ANYWHERE on the mountain to ski. But, as PCMR execs were saying, the loss of skiing will the least of our problems.
A few thoughts that I have from the presentations:
- The effects of GW are like a large ship at sea; there is a huge lag time from when we start to make the change and when we actually see the results (up to 50 years). We better start NOW!
- It was a *bit* disingenuous for ski resort execs from Deer Valley and The Canyons (PCMR is much better!) to be part of the presentation. They continue to push the development of starter castles up their slopes, thereby further inducing green house gas emission on their very mountains.
- Individuals do have the power to make a difference. Through local, state and federal legislation, we can make a difference. Acting individually in your own household is vital too:
1) Use compact fluorescent bulbs.
2) Insulate you doors, windows and water heater.
3) Vow to buy a *more* efficient car next time, not a bigger one.
4) Buy blocks of green energy from your utility.
- Some say they are tired of the GW hysteria. I say 'not enough!' Our rather complacent populous tends to sit on their hands all too often until the shrill is at fever pitch. We cannot afford ease back on this message.
Go forth and conserve!
posted by The Prophet at 8:00 AM
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