Climate Change and Recreational Activities

Helsingin Sanomat reported this morning on a new OECD study which claims that climate change is having an "enormous impact on Alpine ski resorts." The main Swiss paper NZZ reported on the same study in their international edition. Warming affects the hospitality industry in traditional snowsport countries like Austria and Switzerland, changing employment patterns and calling to question current business practices. Tourists delight in the opportunity to ski, but using artificial snow, while "cost efficient to resorts," expends much "water and energy and influence landscapes and ecology." The OECD study suggests that going forward, resorts must come up with alternative, more sustainable business ideas.