Part 1 - Option 1 - Question 1 · Inglés PAU Cantabria Extraordinaria 2023

How climate change threatens to close ski resorts

Anzère is often hailed as Europe's greenest ski resort. But the Swiss village had a challenging start to its 2023 winter season. Like many other Alpine ski resorts, low-lying Anzère was forced to close some of its pistes due to lack of snowfall and rainy conditions in late December and the first few days of January. The Alps experienced record high temperatures over Christmas and New Year, reaching 20.9C (70F) in northwest Switzerland. "It was exceptionally warm over Christmas and New Year," says Stephanie Dijkman, director of Anzère tourism. "Nearly all the snow in the village was gone. I was quite worried." People were unable to ski down to the village, she adds. Fortunately, it started snowing again in early January, just in time for the arrival of the "real skiing fans" who book their trips outside of the holiday season and are hoping for "very good conditions", she says.

But the recent warm weather and winter washout throughout the Alps is an omen of what awaits the ski industry. Many resorts are aware that they only have two options: close or adapt their business model to cope with mounting climate threats. From the Swiss Alps to the Rocky Mountains, resorts are struggling with the impacts of climate change by trying to provide sufficient snow cover and rapidly adapt to the changing conditions, while envisaging what their future looks like in a warming world. Besides measures to reduce its own emissions, such as by investing in renewable energy and building Europe's largest wood-fired heating plant, Anzère is planning ahead for a time where skiing may no longer be viable.

"We're aware that we need to adapt the resort for the years to come," says Dijkman. "We're investing more in bike trails, in climbing [routes] and walking paths and highlighting all that we have to offer, whether it's in the summer or winter."

Ski seasons are becoming shorter and slopes are turning green as temperatures rise. Heavy rainfall in Alpine resorts led to snow melting and slushy conditions. Over the holiday season, many resorts had to close their slopes as the temperatures were too high to generate artificial snow. Some resorts have resorted to covering glaciers in protective blankets to prevent melting. According to a 2021 study, the technique can reduce the melting of snow and ice by 50-70%, compared to unprotected surfaces. There are also negative environmental consequences associated with this adaptation measure: polluting machines are used to put the blankets down and remove them. And when they take them off, there are always pieces of plastic that are left behind which contaminate the glacier and surrounding land. There are also concerns about how this measure will impact local biodiversity and wildlife.

Ski resorts are a perfect example of the reality of the climate crisis. The threat of skiing disappearing is a wake-up call for people to take action. It serves as a reminder that the impacts of climate change extend beyond the slopes and affect various aspects of our lives, such as job losses and reduced revenue for local businesses reliant on winter tourism.

Adapted from BBC, 25 January 2023

Question 1 [2 POINTS]

Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE and write down the sentence or the part of the text that justifies your answer. No points will be given if the evidence is not correct.

a)

Anzère experienced a successful start to its 2023 winter season.

TRUE

FALSE

b)

Anzère is preparing now for a time when skiing may not be possible.

TRUE

FALSE

c)

According to Dijkman, one of the ways in which Anzère ski resort is adapting for the years to come is by offering activities which can not only be practised in winter.

TRUE

FALSE

d)

Over the holiday season, the resorts were able to generate artificial snow despite the high temperatures.

TRUE

FALSE